"COLLECTED SPECIMEN BOOKLETS" Series
Ingenious Bookbinding Design and the Marvel of EPE Foam
If a book is the soul on paper, then the binding is its outer garment. Today, let's talk about a series of books called "COLLECTED SPECIMEN BOOKLETS." Its binding design is not only beautiful but also incredibly practical. This series is targeted at type designers who need a readily available and usable "tool book." Therefore, the binding design starts from the perspectives of "how to use" and "how to make," blending practicality and aesthetics together.
Overall Structure: A Perfect Combination of Hardcover Case and Exposed Spine Smyth Sewn Binding
「The cover」 uses a hardcover case with a wrap-around design, completely sealing both sides for a clean and neat look.
The book cover structure eliminates the endpapers, and the catalog is printed directly on the inside of the cover's pastedown, which is both beautiful and ensures the smooth flow of the structure.
Overall Structure: A Perfect Combination of Hardcover Case and Exposed Spine Smyth Sewn Binding
「The inner pages」 use Smyth sewn binding with an exposed spine, allowing the book to lay completely flat for unobstructed reading. Even better, the text and the single-page posters in the right-hand paper pocket are arranged in the order of the catalog.
For example, in the "TYPE BY ALDO NOVARESE" booklet, the first chapter is the "STOP" font. The first 12 pages of the text are a collection of NOVARESE's "STOP" fonts, and the orange line poster in the right paper pocket corresponds to the "LANDI LINEAR" font collection.
This design is not only convenient for browsing but also makes people sigh: What ingenuity!
Why This Binding Format?
Let's talk about the cover first.
The wrap-around hardcover case with built-in magnets makes the cover as sturdy as an iron man. No matter how you hold it, the cover will not open, and the inner pages will not fall out. You can easily put it in a canvas bag or carry it in one hand without worrying about the inner pages scattering or the posters getting lost.
This is a true "tool book," portable and readily available.
The exposed spine Smyth sewn binding of the inner pages and the binding form of the single-page posters have the greatest advantage of allowing the book to lay completely flat.
You can appreciate the inner pages without any obstacles and even directly trace the font designs. Unlike conventional hardcover books, which require you to find something to hold down the pages when unfolded to prevent them from curling up, this design is simply tailor-made for designers.
Why EPE Foam?
EPE foam, which sounds like a luxury item, is actually a foam material made of low-density polyethylene (LDPE).
It is soft, light, shockproof, and moisture-proof, making it an "all-rounder" in the packaging industry. Using it to fill gaps can not only buffer and protect but also prevent moisture, and it can also adapt to gaps of different shapes.
Most importantly, it is environmentally friendly and recyclable, in line with modern people's pursuit of sustainable development.
Why Not Other Materials?
Of course, there are other materials on the market, such as foam plastic, bubble wrap, molded pulp, and sponge. However, these materials either have poor shockproof effects, or weak moisture resistance, or are not environmentally friendly enough. In contrast, the advantages of EPE foam are obvious:
- Strong protection: The shockproof effect is first-class, and the book will not be damaged during transportation.
- Lightweight: It does not increase the weight of the book, making it easy to carry.
- Moisture-proof: Protects the book from moisture.
- Environmentally friendly: Recyclable and reusable, reducing the burden on the environment.
- Easy to process: It can be cut according to the gap size, perfectly fitting.
This "COLLECTED SPECIMEN BOOKLETS" series reflects the pursuit of detail in every aspect, from binding design to material selection. Hardcover case, exposed spine Smyth sewn binding, EPE foam filling – every link has been carefully considered, ensuring the beauty of the book while enhancing its practicality. Just as we say:" A book is the soul on paper, and binding is the outer garment of the soul." And the garment of this series of books is not only beautiful but also practical, making people love it.
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