Nordkettenbahn

The stations of the Nordkettenbahn, built in 1927 and 1928 by the architect Franz Baumann, are amongst the most outstanding examples of Tyrolean modernism. The way that typography is handled here, is rather surprising. It does not, as one would expect, follow the design ideas of modernism – reduction, clarity, objectivity –, but represents a return to elements of fractured type that had already emerged during the Gothic period.

The metal letters are gnarled, angular and rough. They represent associations with the alpine environment, the rocky, brittle terrain, and seem to have grown into the rough plaster. Each single letter is individually formed – the handwritten element is typical for this period.

The typeface is a design expression of the architect and reflects the examination of the relationship between tradition and modernity. At the Seegrube station and the hotel entrance up there appears a typeface corresponding more to its time. A completely different overall visual impression.