Anaïs Marcelle Brancheriau

Andreas Nova, designed by Anaïs Marcelle Brancheriau, is a typeface created for the headlines of scientific research publications, with a particular focus on the field of biology. It belongs to the visual language of leading scientific publishers, where typography plays a fundamental role in structuring information and reinforcing the credibility of academic publications. Through this project, the aim is to create a typeface that is both rigorous and contemporary while remaining deeply rooted in the history of letterforms.

Andreas Nova draws inspiration from the earliest scientific books of the Renaissance, a period during which the invention of printing accelerated the dissemination of anatomical knowledge. Rather than directly imitating historical models, the typeface embraces their structural legacy, reinterpreting the construction principles of early letterforms through a contemporary graphic language. In doing so, it establishes a dialogue between the origins of modern science and today's research practices.

The name Andreas Nova refers to Andreas Vesalius, the Renaissance anatomist considered one of the founders of modern anatomy. His work De humani corporis fabrica (1543) transformed the study of the human body through observation and scientific illustration. Nova, from the Latin *novus* meaning “new,” expresses the idea of evolution, discovery, and innovation. Together, these two words connect the historical foundations of anatomy with the continuous progress of modern scientific research.

The identity of the typeface is built upon a vocabulary of contrasting forms. Its letterforms combine soft curves with sharp terminals, creating a constant tension between fluidity and precision. Strong stroke contrast gives the design a stable yet incisive presence. This duality makes each letter appear sculpted rather than simply drawn. The forms evoke both the expressive gesture of a brush and the permanence of carved stone, blending the fluidity of movement with the solidity of material. This dialogue between gesture and structure shapes the character's expression while reinforcing its historical heritage.

The Axone variable extends this concept by gradually transforming the structure of the letterforms. The shapes become increasingly fluid, as though connected by a network of organic links. Their outlines acquire an almost aqueous quality, while the design progressively reveals its underlying essence: a balance between a stable structural skeleton and sharper edges that define the tension of the forms. This evolution echoes biological networks and the mechanisms of living systems without ever compromising the typeface's readability.

This typographic research is driven by the idea that form should directly reflect the subject it is intended to serve. Inspired by the structures of living organisms, Andreas Nova explores the relationships between stability and transformation, rigidity and flexibility, heritage and evolution. Rather than merely conveying scientific information, the typeface supports scientific discourse through a visual identity that brings together typographic culture, the observation of life, and contemporary design.

Andreas Nova embodies a spirit of research in which typography becomes an extension of scientific thought. Inspired by anatomy and the life sciences, it evokes observation, an understanding of biological mechanisms, and the ongoing pursuit of new knowledge. Its design reflects a balance between precision and evolution: a stable structure that remains open to exploration and discovery. More than a typeface created for biological publications, Andreas Nova presents typography as a vehicle for knowledge—one capable of bringing together historical heritage, contemporary research, and a deeper understanding of the living world.

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