Leica – Focus on the Essentials

The special exhibition “Leica Design” at the Ernst Leitz Museum Wetzlar is dedicated to the design principles of the famous cameras. Simple, clear and reduced to the essentials, the minimalist exhibition design follows the credo of the traditional brand. This is the second special exhibition we were honoured to plan and design for Leica World.

An Interplay of Geometric Shapes

Clear geometric shapes have characterized Leica design from the very beginning. The design essence of the original Leica still lives on today in modern cameras. The exhibition transfers this reduced clarity into the room. A magically glowing circle, a dark rectangle and a red dot – as visitors, we move around the room, exploring proportions and angles until the image of the iconic Leica camera comes together. We stand directly in the focus of the lens that the circle has now become.

Shapers and Designers: The People Behind the Look

The golden ratio does not always yield the desired results, as Heinrich Jahnke, the first form designer and founder of “Leitz design”, noted. It is important to recognize the laws that result from functional requirements and to derive certain proportions from them. Design follows function – the subsequent Leica designers were also committed to this principle. We designed a brochure presenting the designers and milestones of their products.

Feel the Essence of Leica Design in Your Hands

Graphics, form, materials, colour, surfaces, operation and production – the essence of Leica design is summarized in these seven categories. They can not only be marveled at, but also explored in the form of carefully selected and produced samples for the exhibition. Because Leica design is a pleasure for all the senses, where aesthetics and functionality go hand in hand. These are products that create a special emotional relationship, made by people for people.