Very well edited catalogue for the exhibition of the same name by research designer duo Formafantasma, who produce objects, furniture and installations from wood. The designers set themselves apart in their way of working and research through their multitudinous approach to the uses of wood – philosophical, academic, botanical, etc. This approach has been cleverly translated in this publication into a range of different corresponding (book) typologies (the academic book, the botanical guide and the artist’s monograph), the result of which is not in a mish-mash of styles, but rather a harmonious whole.

The pictorial index at the front of the book is proof of the soundness of the editorial process. Because – contrary to the impression gained when leafing through it – the book does not actually contain that much visual material. It in fact represents only the theoretical part of the exhibition, i.e. the working method and not the end product, meaning that – alongside the wooden objects and installations – it itself becomes an essential component of this. Something we have seen several times in the books submitted, and nominated.

The typography is both idiosyncratic and effective. The contemporary yet classic look of the letters is retained even in the kitschy gold print on the linen dust jacket. It is good to see that the cover has been given a sexy print, rather than a (predictable) wood-style embossing or veneer. The long flaps enfold the whole so well that the book gives the impression of something between a paperback and a nice, light hardback.