Delhi's Timeless Legacy
Client
INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage)
Service
Content & Asset Management.
Brand Strategy, Design & Performance.
Sector
Media.
Social Impact.
Delhi is a city steeped in history and architectural marvels, from the towering Qutub Minar to the grandeur of its Mughal heritage. Our client, INTACH, aimed to celebrate Delhi’s rich legacy with a coffee table book that encapsulates the essence of its architecture, culture, and history. The challenge was to create a design that reflects the grandeur of Delhi’s heritage while being modern and appealing to contemporary readers.
We designed the coffee table book "Delhi – A Heritage Living," with a distinct visual language that honors the architectural essence of the city. A specialized typeface was created for the title, inspired by the iconic Qutub Minar and the intricacies of Delhi's historic monuments. The cover itself evokes a sense of timelessness, combining old-world charm with modern design elements.
The typography is not just ornamental but structural, symbolizing the verticality of monuments like the Qutub Minar. It extends into the book’s layout and chapter headings, creating a consistent theme throughout the publication.
The book features carefully curated images of Delhi’s architectural landmarks and includes historical insights, creating an immersive experience for readers. The pages were designed with a subtle color palette that reflects the sandstone hues of the city’s monuments, ensuring that the design complements the content and photography without overpowering it.
Challenge
The main challenge was crafting a design that would resonate with both modern audiences and traditional historians, reflecting Delhi’s dynamic blend of heritage and modernity. It was crucial to strike a balance between creating a visually arresting design and maintaining the historical integrity of the subject matter.
Solutions
By using architecture as the core inspiration, we developed a visual narrative through typography and layout that effectively connected the past with the present. The design was minimal yet evocative, allowing the intricate details of Delhi’s monuments to take center stage. The coffee table book not only functions as a visual delight but also as an educational piece, engaging readers through its thoughtful combination of design and content.
outcomes
The coffee table book has been praised for its unique design, which beautifully captures Delhi's rich architectural heritage. The book has become a sought-after item for historians, architects, and design enthusiasts alike. The visual storytelling, combined with the rich content, has allowed "Delhi – A Heritage Living" to become a compelling piece of art in its own right, contributing to the cultural documentation of one of India’s most historic cities.
