Calcula
Calcula is a layering display font family that uses smart OpenType features to create maze-like spaces between letters inspired by the geometric Kufic style of traditional Arabic calligraphy.
PDF Specimen- Latin
- SolidSolid
- StripesStripes
- StoneStone
- Stone ShadowStone Shadow
- ShadowShadow
Design concept
Calcula is a display typeface that uses smart OpenType features to explore the space between lettering and typeface design, creating maze-like spaces between letters. Inspired by the geometric Kufic style of traditional Arabic calligraphy, Calcula is a functional OpenType typeface, with design principles that are rooted in lettering, in that each letter reacts to neighbouring letters, adapting to its context. Read more about the concept of Calcula in this in-depth essay ▸
Layers
Calcula is great for creating geometric patterns from single letters, combinations of letters, or even entire words. By using Adobe Illustrator’s Pattern Brush tool, even crazier visual possibilities open up.
Patterns
Calcula is great for creating geometric patterns from single letters, combinations of letters, or even entire words. By using Adobe Illustrator’s Pattern Brush tool, even crazier visual possibilities open up.
Interlocking shapes
Calcula maintains a strict relationship between negative and positive spaces. The asymmetric shapes interlock with the preceding or following shapes, which requires many alternatives and complex OpenType programming and the creation of over 6,000 ligatures per style. Especially for this project, Tal Leming created Ligature Builder, a Python program that would take these parts and create new glyphs, assembling them in various combinations.
