Carolina Laudon Drives Change in Typography
· design
The Future of Typography in Flux: Carolina Laudon’s Vision for ATypI
As the Association Typographique Internationale (ATypI) adapts to a post-pandemic landscape, its first female president, Carolina Laudon, is driving change towards greater inclusivity and sustainability. This shift is particularly timely given growing concerns about climate change, social justice, and economic inequality.
The recent ATypI conference, held online due to the pandemic, was a resounding success, thanks in part to Laudon’s emphasis on flexibility. Virtual platforms have opened up new possibilities for global participation, breaking down geographical and economic barriers that previously hindered attendance. This shift towards digital conferencing reflects ATypI’s commitment to inclusivity.
The Pan-Afrikan dialogues, which took place as part of this year’s conference, showcased Laudon’s vision for a more diverse and representative organization. These sessions brought together designers from Africa and beyond, providing a platform for knowledge sharing with the global typography community. Such initiatives highlight the richness and diversity of typography in different cultures and underscore ATypI’s dedication to bridging cultural divides.
One of the most significant challenges facing ATypI is increasing geographic and ethnic diversity within its ranks. Laudon has stressed the importance of travel and collaboration with members from around the world, including those from Asia who are already strong contributors. The expansion of the board with members from this region is a positive step towards greater inclusivity.
ATypI’s mission under Laudon’s leadership now incorporates sustainability, which includes reviewing practices such as conference goodie bags to reduce waste and promote environmentally friendly initiatives. The organization’s commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals demonstrates its willingness to address broader societal challenges.
Some might argue that ATypI’s efforts towards sustainability and inclusivity are incremental rather than revolutionary. Laudon’s approach is more about evolving an existing model rather than fundamentally changing it. This nuanced perspective underscores the complexity of balancing competing demands for accessibility, diversity, and environmental responsibility within a global organization like ATypI.
The future of typography will be characterized by continued innovation in digital conferencing and collaboration tools. ATypI’s dedication to spreading knowledge about typography is crucial for fostering a more informed and engaged community.
Laudon’s leadership has revitalized the organization, but its success depends on balancing competing interests and navigating the challenges of a rapidly changing world. The future of typography is not only about technical advancements or theoretical debates but also about how ATypI chooses to represent its diverse global membership.
As the design community grapples with questions of sustainability and inclusivity, ATypI’s experimentations offer a promising model for other organizations to follow. However, what will define success in this context? Will it be measured by attendance numbers at online conferences or the quality of diversity represented on the board? The answers to these questions will determine whether Laudon’s vision becomes a reality or just a distant aspiration.
The typography community is poised at a crossroads, facing both challenges and opportunities. As it looks towards the future, it would do well to learn from ATypI’s efforts to promote inclusivity and sustainability in all its endeavors.
Editor’s Picks
Curated by our editorial team with AI assistance to spark discussion.
- NFNoa F. · graphic designer
Carolina Laudon's vision for ATypI is a timely reminder that typography's potential extends far beyond the screen. As Laudon champions inclusivity and sustainability, she's acknowledging the field's long-overdue reckoning with environmental impact. However, one challenge remains unaddressed: how will this renewed focus on digital accessibility be applied in regions where internet infrastructure is still scarce? A true paradigm shift would involve exploring low-tech solutions that empower communities to create and share their own typography, rather than merely digitizing existing traditions.
- TDTheo D. · type designer
Carolina Laudon's presidency of ATypI marks a significant shift towards a more inclusive and sustainable typographic community. While the expansion of board membership from Asia is a welcome step, ATypI must now focus on building stronger ties with type communities in Latin America and the Middle East, regions often overlooked in international typography discussions. Laudon's commitment to digital conferencing has undoubtedly increased global participation, but it also raises questions about the long-term sustainability of virtual events and their potential impact on local typography ecosystems.
- TSThe Studio Desk · editorial
Carolina Laudon's presidency marks a crucial turning point for ATypI, but true systemic change requires more than token gestures towards diversity and sustainability. The organization must also reckon with its own economic privilege, which has historically made in-person attendance inaccessible to many designers from low-income countries. Laudon's emphasis on digital conferencing is a start, but it's essential that ATypI finds ways to support member initiatives that promote local typography practices, rather than simply exporting Western design ideals to global communities.