Penguin Random House New Zealand
Award for Best Illustrated Book 2023

Finalist

Designer: Gideon Keith & Carly Johnson, SEVEN

Title: Making Space: A history of New Zealand women in architecture
Publisher: Massey University Press
Format: 250 x 220 mm, 448pp, flexibind plus jacket.
Typography: Neue Haas Grotesk is the sole typeface.

“We wanted to create a surprise for those who acquired and explored the book (went further than viewing the book on a shelf) – this was done through the red on red foil used for the cover, a real statement. Since we had the jacket with all the formal details we were able to keep this super minimal, a visual treat for minimalist loving architects.

The aim for this book was to embrace discipline as per the architects, so a concise colour scheme was devised. A strong red leads the charge and features two tints and black to contrast.”

Judges’ comments This book has a wonderful mid-century modernist design base with a post-modern overlay – particularly on its stunningly spare typographically-driven cover. The use of a restricted colour palette, uncoated paper and flexi binding deliver a complete book that I found myself dipping into, gathering small gems of history as I was assessing the design.