Ruedi Baur
The praise of the imperfection
Summary
The disappointment that one feels when one tries to imitate on computer an old hand-written text is indescribable. Where is the difference situated? Isn't it possible with new technologies to introduce a certain degree of imperfection? Using examples, taken beyond the field of the typography, one will try to contradict the perversion of our aesthetic perfectionism.
Biography
Designer, born in 1956, graduated in graphic design from the Zurich School of Applied Arts.
Baur's approach is characterised by the strength of his commitment to design as a method of social intervention, through the studio’s production, but also by teaching, writing, and participation in conferences, juries and workshops.
In 1989 he established Integral Concept, presently consisting of seven independent partner studios able to co-operate on any cross-disciplinary project.
His studio, Intégral Ruedi Baur et Associés, specialises in global identity, orientation and information programmes for cities, territories, cultural and social institutions, companies or events. Since 1984, it has been testing visual systems which go beyond mere repetition of a unique sign (open-ended identity, identity based on differences, identity without set logo etc).
Between 1989 and 1995, he co-ordinated the department of design <<information space>> of the Beaux-Arts School of Lyon where he organised between 1994 and 1996 a third cycle based on the theme <<civic and design spaces>>. In 1995, he became Professor (corporate design) at the Hochschule für Grafik und Buchkunst of Leipzig, where he was nominated rector in 1997. He created there in 1999 the Interdisciplinary Design Institute (2id).
Ruedi Baur has been a member of Alliance Graphique Internationale (AGI) since 1992.
Personal exhibitions
Maison du livre, de l’image et du son, Villeurbanne (1989); Institut für neue technische Form, Darmstadt (1991); DDD Gallery, Osaka, and GGG Gallery, Tokyo (1994); Design Horizonte Francfort (1994); Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe, Hamburg (1995); Central Academy of Arts and Design, Bejing (1998); installation «U. Eur. + CH or other nationalities», La Chaufferie, Strasbourg (1999).
Bibliography
Author of the books «La nouvelle typographie», published by CNDP (1993), «0, me, and 1», published by L’observatoire (1995) and «00/00/00» published by Jean-Michel Place (1999). Co-author of the book «Architecture and graphics», published by Lars Müller (1998). The books «?/!» (1991), «Ruedi Baur, Intégral concept» (1994), and «Constructions» (1998) present the works of Intégral Ruedi Baur et associés.