Events
Orbital Design: Typography for Space Environments
with Anastasia Prosina
Discover how typography shapes survival in space. Design emergency signage and wayfinding systems for zero gravity.
- Date
- Time
What happens to typography when gravity disappears?
In this intensive workshop (held in-person on March 15—16 at Letterform Archive), space architect Anastasia Prosina reveals how typography and visual communication adapt to the extreme demands of space environments. Drawing from her work on tactile navigation systems for space travel, Prosina guides participants through the fascinating challenges of designing for where Earth's rules no longer apply.
Participants will explore the evolution of space typography from Soviet space stations to SpaceX, discovering how emergency signage, control interfaces, and wayfinding systems must function in zero gravity. Through hands-on exercises, you'll learn how typography shapes crew safety and behavior in space habitats, where split-second legibility can make the difference between life and death.
The workshop culminates in designing a space habitat wayfinding system, where participants will tackle real constraints like material limitations, multi-language requirements, and emergency scenarios. You'll learn how to merge functionality with visual clarity while considering unique environmental factors such as reduced gravity, artificial lighting, and the psychological effects of confined spaces.
Perfect for designers, typography enthusiasts, creative professionals, and anyone fascinated by typography's role in humanity's next frontier. No space or design experience required—just bring your curiosity about how letters and symbols shape human experience in the most challenging environments ever inhabited.
Learning Outcomes
- Apply principles of environmental typography to design clear wayfinding systems for extreme conditions, with focus on emergency communication and safety-critical information
- Analyze how reduced gravity, artificial lighting, and confined spaces impact typographic legibility and user comprehension in space environments
- Design multi-language navigation systems that function effectively under the unique constraints of space habitats, including material limitations and psychological factors
Required Materials
- Sketchbook (A4 or larger)
- Black markers (thick and thin tip) - Suggested: Sharpies or similar
- Pencil and eraser
- Ruler
Optional Materials
- Colored markers or highlighters (for indicating emergency routes/zones)
- Laptop for reference/notes
- Camera/phone for documentation
All specialized materials for the wayfinding system project will be provided.
Diversity and Equity Scholarship
Diversity and Equity are important to all of us at Letterform Archive, and we are committed to increasing opportunities for underrepresented groups within the type and design communities.
We are offering one BIPOC/Equity scholarship seat in this workshop.
To apply for this scholarship, please complete and submit to us the short form linked here at least a week prior to the start of the workshop.
Image credit: Galina Balashova
Anastasia Prosina
Anastasia Prosina is a space architect pioneering new approaches to human-centered design in space environments. As the founder of Stellar Amenities, she develops habitat solutions for space stations and planetary bases, with a particular focus on navigation and safety systems. Her recent work includes creating tactile wayfinding systems for zero-gravity environments, leading to breakthrough innovations in how humans interact with their surroundings in space.
Notable among her achievements is an award-winning collaboration with former NASA Deputy Administrator Dava Newman, and hands-on experience testing space equipment through parabolic flights. She holds an MS in Space Architecture from the University of Houston.
Drawing from her expertise in crew equipment design and human factors, Prosina brings unique insights into how typography and visual communication must adapt to the extreme demands of space environments.
