The revival of Tia Lira
Reinterpreting cultural heritage in type design through variable font technology
André do Carmo Gonçalves
Technological advances in type design have contributed to the growth of type revivals — the practice of updating and reinterpreting typefaces from the past. In this context, the work of Manuel Pereira da Silva, a Portuguese designer, typographer and researcher, remains relatively under-recognized despite his contributions to Portuguese typography.
This project revisits Tia Lira, one of his original typeface designs, exploring how contemporary digital technologies can support both cultural preservation and typographic innovation. Through artifact analysis, interviews, design development, expert review and user evaluation, the investigation examines the potential of variable font technology as a tool for reinterpretation.
The project results in Figura MPS, a variable typeface that uses an x-height variation axis to reinterpret Tia Lira, aiming to contribute to the dissemination of Pereira da Silva’s legacy.
Curricular Unit:
Dissertation/Project/Internship (2nd year) — Project
Supervisor: Pedro Amado
Co-supervisor: Vítor Quelhas
Keywords: Type Revival, Variable Fonts, Typographic Heritage, Technology in Design
See this project in the Material Archive interactive archive →