Please rotate
your device
your device
Nassos Display is a variable typeface custom-designed for the campaigns of the Cursa dels Nassos in Barcelona for 2023 and 2024, a race held every December 31st in the Catalan capital.
In the early design stages, inspiration came from the digital typefaces used in electronic athletics scoreboards, as the primary goal was to convey the spirit of a race. Initially, intuition led us to work with a strict grid and matrix-based structure. However, after analyzing most of the available typefaces that follow this approach, we gradually opted for a more organic and free-flowing style. This shift gave the typeface a distinctive and unique character that captivated us, as it creates a singular visual identity when used for headlines or short texts.
Over the years, many typefaces have left their mark in this field, such as the iconic Dot Matrix by Cornel Wildin, designed in 1999 for a software company. As in any design process, our research led us to discover other lesser-known but equally influential gems. Among them are the letterforms designed by Robert Massin for the cover of Pierrot Mon Ami by Raymond Queneau in 1961 and the covers of TM magazine created by Heinrich Fleischhacker in the 1970s.
The Cursa dels Nassos is part of the holiday festivities, and the character of this typeface fits perfectly in festive or even theatrical communications, as it can be interpreted as points of light, bulbs, or reflections.
After a year of intermittent work, the Circle version was completed, featuring uppercase letters and six versatile weights, including a brutalist variant.
In an exhilarating sporting event that captivated spectators worldwide, Kenyan athlete Beatrice Chebet stole the spotlight by setting a new women's world record in the 5-kilometer distance during the Cursa dels Nassos in Barcelona 2023. If Andy Warhol predicted 15 minutes of fame for everyone, Chebet achieved immortality in 14 minutes and 13 seconds. She not only left an indelible mark on the history of athletics but also elevated the race's reputation, earning it the title of Best Women's Race of the Year by World Athletics, the sport's governing body.
Inspired by this milestone at the 2023 race, the idea of incorporating stars emerged, giving birth to the Star version. In 2024, and as expected, the athlete broke her own record once again, setting a new benchmark at 13:54, becoming the first woman to run under 14 minutes in the 5K and making this race the first to earn four stars! :)
Driven by that indescribable euphoria, we designed a version featuring arrows, symbolizing the directions of a race: Eureka! And so, the Arrows version was born. Later, we returned to the classic scoreboard style with a Squaresvariant, before finally culminating with a linear version, Rings.
The result? Six new typographic styles that are now available for download in their beta version.
Available in OpenType variable format, this typeface allows you to adjust stroke thickness to create custom effects and adapt to different uses. Additionally, the beta version, available for free for personal use, includes variations with stars, squares, and arrows, offering endless creative possibilities.
Ready to try it out? Type anything you want and adjust the size and weight with the sliders!
We appreciate your interest in our beta-phase typographic project. Our goal is to provide you with an experience that blends creativity and functionality while we continue refining every detail. With your support and feedback, we can bring this typeface to its full potential.
Thank you for being part of this process!
By downloading and using this version, you agree to the terms and conditions of use.
Allowed uses:
For any other uses, including commercial or for-profit activities, please contact us.
Creative Direction: Javier Pereda
Type Design: Javier Pereda, Pol Martí, Beau van Gisbergen
Graphic Design: Anna Solsona, Pol Martí, Ekaitz López de Guereñu, Beau van Gisbergen, Javier Pereda
Digitization & Typographic Consulting: Eduardo Manso / Emtype
This website uses cookies to provide a better experience. If you continue visiting the page, you are accepting its use. More info.
