Graphic Design: Benoit Challand creates a typeface from office furniture

French designer Benoit Challand is more than happy to test the boundaries of just what typography can do; his portfolio is full of projects which see him manipulate lettering to test new ideas, whether that be through 3D illustration, design or CGI.

This project takes it to a whole new level. In an attempt to combat the criticism of the open-plan office, which according to research is bad for creativity, he proposes an office in which each desk composes a different letterform, which can then be moved around to create new, flexible shapes.

He explains: “This typography turned into functional furniture celebrates the beauty of the large-scale letterform. The letters’ shapes are abstracted unless viewed from above when they spell out words or phrases.” Whether or not you condone investing in a range of furniture whose principal purpose is to spell out a series of words that you’re unlikely ever to read, you have to admire the wealth of imagery Benoit has created to inform his idea. The tiny models are complete with books, keyboards and desktops, in an illustration of just how far research can go. Check out Benoit’s snazzy website to see some of his other innovative type-focused ideas.