Type consists of elements created with tools, rhythmically repeated. Looking at Type creates sensory impressions. Rational interpretations of these impressions are possible trough associations with individual or cultural memory of styles of typefaces or the content. Pure sensations are possible through contrast and rhythm, regardless of rational understandig of content and associated memories.
Afrika is a graphic design studio in Zurich, founded 2010 by Florian Jakober and Michael Zehnder. They work for Swiss and international clients. After studying together at the Zurich University of the Arts, they gained work experience in design studios and agencies in England, Holland, Denmark and Switzerland. Afrika Design Studio see themselves as design engineers. Software, production processes and craftsmanship inspire them and lead them to new solutions. Science and history provide them with the basis for linking existing concepts with new ideas and techniques. Clients are artists, designers, architects, curators, publishers, musicians, entrepreneurs and scientists. Most client-relationships are built up over a longer period of time. This is how cooperation develops and individual approaches emerge.
Florian Jakober (* 1983 Lucerne) lives in Bern. He grew up in Küssnacht/Rigi, attended grammar school in Immensee, and then studied visual communication at the ZHdK in Zurich. In between an exchange semester in illustration at the Willem de Kooning Academie in Rotterdam and an internship year in London (at “Graphic Thought Facility”) and Amsterdam (at “178 Aardige Ontwerpers”). In 2011 he founded together with Florian Jakober Africa, a design studio based in Zurich. Africa works in the fields of type design and visual identity. Florian is a lecturer in Design Entrepreneurship at the MA Design at the Hochschule der Künste Bern and, together with Michael Zehnder, regularly gives workshops on type design at various European art academies.
Michael Zehnder (* 1980 Zurich) lives in Basel. Raised in Zurich, he attended the Rudolf Steiner School and studied visual communication at the ZHdK in Zurich after an initial training as a structural engineering draftsman. In between: an exchange semester at the Danmarks Designskole and a year abroad with internships in various London design studios. After graduating in 2009, he briefly worked as a graphic designer in Germany and abroad, and gave workshops at various art schools. In 2011 he founded together with Florian Jakober Africa, a design studio based in Zurich. Africa works in the fields of type design and visual identity. Together with Florian Jakober, Michael regularly gives workshops on type design at various European art schools.
