Extract from CreativePro.com

This is an extract from an article on Paul Renner I found on CreativePro.com which explains some of the impact futura had on graphic design at the time of its release:

"It is based on geometric shapes which became representative visual elements of the Bauhaus design style of 1919-1933. Futura was commercially released in 1927-1930 and it became a cornerstone of the 'New Typography' classified as Geometrical Modernism. Form follows function became the key words and careful reasoning constrained all the character shapes to their utmost functional simplicity. With Futura, in typographical terms, the industrial revolution had reached its logical conclusion.


Initially, Futura was issued by the Bauer Foundry in six weights, a condensed version in three weights, and an Inline. Renner's typeface family provided the right typographical tool for the professional designer and it became a popular choice for text and display composition. Even today, advertising typographers often use the combination of Futura Light/Book and Futura Extra Bold because of the design's stylish elegance and commanding visual power."


Notes:

• Form follows function
• Character shapes were constrained to their utmost functional simplicity
• The right tool for the professional designer
• Start of geometric Modernism and the cornerstone of "New Typography"