Title: Designing Programmes
Paperback: 112 / 120 pages
Publisher: Hastings House (1968) / Lars Müller Publishers (2007)
Language: English
Size: 254 x 182.88 mm / 10 x 7.2 inch
"Designing programmes
means a method and an approach.
There are several solutions for each problem,
and one of them
is the best under certain circumstances.
In other words:
designing programs it self means a program;
rooted in practice, however, rather
than in a philosophy of life"
In 2006, I found Designing Programmes at FIT's library. As a fan of Karl's work I was super excited. I borrowed the book, read it and searched a copy of the book. The price was ridiculously expensive, it cost up to $400 in Ebay. In the early 2007, I pre-ordered Designing Programmers published by Lars Muller.
The book is a compilation of four theoretical publications by Karl Gerstner. The book introduces to the introduction by Paul Gredinger, one of Karl's partner. In the beginning of the chapter Karl's explains different kinds of problems programmers for solution. The essay starts with programmes as typeface, the old behold sans-serif on a new basis. The new edition has an additional of a new beginning: the IBM original. The second essay is program as typography, integral typography and the third is program as picture, making pictures today?. Both of the editions are about the same. In the Lars Muller's edition there are more colors pictures but the quality of the pictures are not as good as the first edition of English version. The last one is program as method structure as method, structure and movement. I do like the the outline vector better (Hasting House version) than the solid color of the drawing. There are more examples and color pictures in the new edition.
As my preference, I do like the Hastings House version better. The design of the cover and dust jacket is more beautiful than the newer edition. I don't like the placement and rotation of the Lars Muller Publishers. It seems a bit off. The paper and images are much better quality in the Hastings House version. In the Lars Muller edition, the IBM original typefaces which designed by Karl Gerstner, is used. Even though it makes sense to use his typeface but It doesn't seem as flawless as Berthold san-serif. Despite there are some of negative feed backs for the Lars Muller edition, the step by step problems and solution explanations with the examples of Designing Programmes are very valuable for student and professional.