Deutscher Bundestag – Melior

Selecting a typeface to symbolize Germany’s foremost democratic institution, the „Deutscher Bundestag,“ is a difficult task. Above all, it must be accessible, inclusive and should invite every citizen to engage in the discourse it represents. Clarity and purpose are non-negotiable; the chosen font must articulate the shared values that unite our society. However, it must do so with a subtle elegance that enhances rather than distracts from its message.

In 2009, Büro Andreas Uebele undertook this challenge as part of the comprehensive redesign of the German parliament’s corporate identity. The selection of Melior as the house font was a deliberate choice to complement the stately symbol of the Federal Eagle with precise yet soft shapes, while prioritizing optimal readability. These characteristics are intrinsic to Melior’s DNA, dating back to its origin.

The initial work of Melior Antiqua began in 1948, conceived with the specific aim to remain legible even in small point sizes, making it particularly suitable for newspapers and magazines. Therefore, communicating current affairs and information that are essential for the free formation of opinion that sustains our democracy. The design principle was to facilitate an eye-guiding effect by designing shapes based on an oval fitting as closely as possible inside a rectangle. These shapes were not constructed with a ruler and compass, but rather drawn freehand by Hermann Zapf with a brush. 

Years later, Melior’s design principles found affirmation in an emerging artistic concept known as the „superellipse,“ a term coined by the Dutch mathematician Piet Hein. This convergence of art and mathematics served as a testament to Melior’s enduring relevance and its ability to articulate important matters with grace and clarity.