Nora Kaszanyi designs a 3D-printed music monograph

Mikrokosmos is a special edition monograph consisting of 153 progressive piano pieces by Béla Bartók, presented in a minimalist 3D-printed case by Budapest-based designer Nora Kaszanyi.

Stylistically reminiscent of Joy Division’s iconic Unknown Pleasures album cover by Peter Saville, the visualisations are produced in stark, white wireframe and contrasted on black. Typography emerges from these sound wave compositions, combining visual and written information succinctly.

“Each of the six parts of a geometric visual element is reduced down and built up in a simple point-grid system (which is meant to symbolise the structure of the cosmos),” explains the designer. These six volumes are collectively bound in a white 3D-printed case from which protrude six geometric shapes. Nora explains: “The surface shapes are echoed titles of the sections, imitating the motion of the piano sounding title pieces.”

Executed as her degree project at Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design, Nora explains: “My goal was to create an ornamental edition functioning as a publication, but also as an object and a sign that carries the music motifs and the resulting associations… it gives a whole new viewing experience compared to the usual music booklet for.”