Capturing Old Delhi's Spirit Through Tangled Typography
This project turns Old Delhi’s tangled telephone wires into a cohesive typographic design, redefining urban disorder as complex beauty and capturing the city’s unique energy and vibrant spirit.
Team
Smriti, Meghna
Duration
3 weeks
Brief
The intention was to replace the existing on-premise product that Agility was using internally and make it cloud-based,
Introduction
Inspired by the lively energy and intricate visuals of Old Delhi’s iconic telephone wires, this typography project transforms the seemingly chaotic network into a work of art. What often appears as a tangle of cables is reimagined as a metaphor for human connection, resilience, and urban evolution. Each wire, winding and intersecting above the bustling streets, symbolizes the interwoven lives and shared history of the people beneath them. Through translating these forms into letterforms, the project captures the essence of Old Delhi—a city where tradition and modernity coexist. Every curve and line embodies the cultural richness and vibrant spirit that define the area, offering a visual narrative of both continuity and change. By turning what is often dismissed as clutter into something meaningful, this project invites viewers to see beyond the wires and appreciate the beauty in complexity, celebrating the heart of Old Delhi’s character.
Observation & Inspiration
The journey began with a deep observation of Old Delhi's streets, particularly the dense network of crisscrossing telephone wires that form an integral part of the cityscape. Photographs, sketches, and field visits were key to understanding the organic patterns created by these wires, and how they interact with the environment, capturing the essence of the city’s vibrancy and chaos.
Conceptualization
The next step involved conceptualizing how these wires could be transformed into letterforms. The challenge was to maintain the randomness and natural flow of the wires while developing a structured typographic system. This stage required brainstorming and exploring different design approaches to ensure the wires’ natural flow was translated into the letter shapes without losing legibility or coherence.
Sketching & Wireframe Creation
A series of rough sketches were drawn to explore the various ways the wires could form individual letters. These sketches were developed into more refined wireframes, keeping in mind the balance between fluidity and readability. The curves, overlaps, and tangles were carefully planned to mimic the organic nature of the wires while still functioning as recognizable typographic elements.
Digital Rendering
The sketched designs were then digitized using graphic design software. This stage involved a more meticulous crafting of each letter, ensuring that the fluidity of the wires was preserved. Special attention was given to the thickness, angles, and intersections of the lines to replicate the feel of real wires while maintaining typographic clarity.
Iteration & Refinement
Multiple iterations were made to refine the design. Feedback from peers and mentors was incorporated to ensure the design was both aesthetically pleasing and practical for use. The focus was on achieving a balance between artistic expression and functional typography, where the design could stand out yet still be readable in various contexts.
Final Design & Testing
The final set of letterforms was tested for legibility across different sizes and media. Adjustments were made to improve the spacing, alignment, and flow of the typography. The completed design was reviewed to ensure it truly embodied the chaotic yet harmonious nature of Old Delhi’s tangled wires, creating a typeface that feels alive with the energy of the streets.
Application & Presentation
The final typography was applied to various design contexts—posters, signage, digital interfaces—to showcase its versatility. The project was then presented with accompanying visuals and a narrative that linked the typography back to the original inspiration: the bustling streets and iconic wires of Old Delhi.
