Olasztelek (RO)

Visual identity for Olasztelek (Tălișoara in Romanian)

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Visual identity for Olasztelek (Tălișoara in Romanian), a tiny village – populated by approximately 720 people – in the heart of Covasna County, Transylvania, Romania.

The nationality of the population is 99% Hungarian/Székely. The village was named after the Italian settlers immigrated under Charles Robert (Olasztelek=Italian Land).

Besides the Daniel Castle and the Calvinist church as historically appealing sights, the village life is organised by a non-profit organisation called Messzelátó Egyesület – supported by the inhabitant's volunteer work.

The architecture offers many traditional motives. The top of the wood fence is tulip shaped as well as the missing part of the wooden window shutters. Tulip is commonly used in the Hungarian
folklore symbolising women. Depending on the stage of the blooming it should refer to it's owner's age and marital status. Nowadays – if applied – it rather serves as an ornament than a statement about its beholder.

While sketching the first ideas we noticed that the L and the S in the world Olasztelek look alike – and shape a tulip when mirrored & enlarged. We accompanied the composition with two dashed lines illustrating the wooden fences – used everywhere in the region.

Behind the slogan – In Székely Land. At home. – is that impenetrable thought of the Hungarian people of Transylvania that they remain true Székely people, keeping their own customs and traditions for centuries no matter what history throws at them – on the land where they were born. We summed up this message in the slogan to celebrate this strong and respectable identity.

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The project is ongoing, currently being expanded.

PHOTOGRAPHY
Aliz Borsa

TYPEFACE

Calluna & Calluna Sans (Jos Buivenga)

PAPER

Woodstock (Betulla)

THANKS

Special thanks for Hunor Kovács for the invitation to Noise Camp 2018 at Olasztelek where the project was developed.

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