Olof Ottelin
This monograph presents the life and work of Finnish interior architect Olof Ottelin (1917–1971) through essays, archival sources, and newly commissioned photography. Shaped by Päivi Helander’s research and editorial direction, the book takes form through a design framework I developed – grid, typography, and typesetting across 262 pages. Recognised as a finalist at Kauneimmat Kirjat – Most Beautiful Books 2023.
Scope
Grid
Layout
Typography
With
Studio Päivi Helander
Publisher: Museum of Finnish Architecture
Case Study Photography: Christian Jakowleff
Olof Ottelin
This monograph presents the life and work of Finnish interior architect Olof Ottelin (1917–1971) through essays, archival sources, and newly commissioned photography. Shaped by Päivi Helander’s research and editorial direction, the book takes form through a design framework I developed – grid, typography, and typesetting across 262 pages. Recognised as a finalist at Kauneimmat Kirjat – Most Beautiful Books 2023.
Scope
Grid
Layout
Typography
With
Studio Päivi Helander
Publisher: Museum of Finnish Architecture
Case Study Photography: Christian Jakowleff
Olof Ottelin
This monograph presents the life and work of Finnish interior architect Olof Ottelin (1917–1971) through essays, archival sources, and newly commissioned photography. Shaped by Päivi Helander’s research and editorial direction, the book takes form through a design framework I developed – grid, typography, and typesetting across 262 pages. Recognised as a finalist at Kauneimmat Kirjat – Most Beautiful Books 2023.
Scope
Grid
Layout
Typography
With
Studio Päivi Helander
Publisher: Museum of Finnish Architecture
Case Study Photography: Christian Jakowleff
Grid
Layout
Typography
Grid
Layout
Typography
The design system balances clarity with flexibility, accommodating the book’s diverse content – from bilingual essays to detailed furniture studies and layered archival spreads.
A wide-margin grid provides space for captions and small images while keeping the text open and legible. The typography combines a geometric sans serif with humanist detailing and a contemporary serif designed for editorial clarity.
Their contrast creates a rhythm that supports both image-heavy layouts and long-form essays, maintaining coherence across the book’s varied sections.
Colour
The colour palette, developed by Päivi Helander and inspired by Ottelin’s interiors, lends structure and atmosphere to the book. Muted greens, soft blues, natural neutrals, and warm ochre distinguish chapters and guide readers through the content. Applied to headings, backgrounds, and dividers, the colours echo mid-century sensibilities while supporting the book’s layered organisation.
Colour
The colour palette, developed by Päivi Helander and inspired by Ottelin’s interiors, lends structure and atmosphere to the book. Muted greens, soft blues, natural neutrals, and warm ochre distinguish chapters and guide readers through the content.
Applied to headings, backgrounds, and dividers, the colours echo mid-century sensibilities while supporting the book’s layered organisation.
Grid
Layout
Typography
Grid
Layout
Typography
The design system balances clarity with flexibility, accommodating the book’s diverse content – from bilingual essays to detailed furniture studies and layered archival spreads.
A wide-margin grid provides space for captions and small images while keeping the text open and legible. The typography combines a geometric sans serif with humanist detailing and a contemporary serif designed for editorial clarity.
Their contrast creates a rhythm that supports both image-heavy layouts and long-form essays, maintaining coherence across the book’s varied sections.
