Emil Kowalczyk and Merle Petsch have been honoured for their publication "A Matter of Space" with the award in the category "forms of printed publication 2026" in this year's edition of forms of publication."A Matter of Space" is part of their diploma exhibition, with which the two designers successfully completed their studies in the class for system design with Prof. Maureen Mooren at the HGB in 2025. The award ceremony for the forms of publication took place at the HGB on the weekend of the book fair, and the accompanying exhibition of the award-winning publications can be seen at the gfzk - Galerie für zeitgenössische Kunst Leipzig until 14 June.
"A Matter of Space" is the result of an exploration of architecture from the perspective of graphic design. Based on 28 terms that are familiar to both disciplines as methods, phenomena or characteristics, positions and references from the history of architecture were compiled and interpreted creatively from the perspective of the two graphic designers. The research is based on the understanding that architecture cannot be understood solely as a built environment, but rather only in relation to its users and the actions that take place within it. The photographic documentation of the scenes ultimately transfers the content back into the printed book. "A Matter of Space" is not only a work about architecture, but also an architectural project itself through its realisation.
This year's edition of forms of publication is an initiative of the open book society and celebrates innovative, conceptual and experimental design of digital and printed publications and associated collaborative practices. The 2026 edition, which emerged from the Walter Tiemann Prize, comprises three categories: forms of printed publication, forms of digital publication and forms of peering.
These new formats expand the field beyond printed publications to include digital typographic design and collaborative practices and understand publishing as a dynamic and socially engaged discipline. A total of 195 printed publications from 28 countries and 50 digital publications from 11 countries were submitted. Seven printed and eight digital publications were nominated for the shortlist. Of these, five publications were honoured with the "forms of printed publication Award 2026" and awarded 2,000 euros each.
This year's edition is a collaboration between Jan Blessing, Anne Dietzsch, Roman Gornitzky, Marion Kliesch, Katharina Köhler, Jasper Otto Eisenecker, Helene Otto, Jana Reddemann, Sanna Schiffler and Sebastian A. Schmitt.