Harpa is proud to announce the launch of its new bespoke Icelandic typeface, Harpa Sans. Specially created for Harpa by type designer Gabríel Markan, the new font builds on the principles of DIN, Harpa’s previous typeface, while reimagining them in a unique form designed with Harpa’s identity in mind. With Harpa Sans, Harpa strengthens its visual brand and gains a typeface tailored to its specific needs.

A Tailored Typeface for Iceland’s Cultural Landmark

Harpa Sans has been designed to support a strong, contemporary, and instantly recognisable visual identity that reflects Harpa’s status as a world-class cultural centre. With the introduction of this new typeface, Harpa not only reinforces its own visual presence but also contributes to the promotion of Icelandic design and creative innovation.

“Designing a typeface for Harpa is a rare and exciting opportunity. As one of the country’s most important cultural landmarks, the building demands a typeface that reflects its dignity and diversity,” says Gabríel Markan, designer of Harpa Sans.

From Industrial Standard to Bespoke Identity

Harpa’s previous typeface, DIN, was initially created in 1931 for German road signage. Praised for its clarity and reliability, it has since become one of the most recognisable typefaces in the world, used across countless applications from public transport advertising to product packaging. However, its ubiquity makes it difficult to serve as a distinctive visual signature. With Harpa Sans, Harpa now possesses its own customised typeface that highlights its uniqueness and identity.

Meeting the Needs of a Growing Programme

Harpa hosts over 1,400 events each year, with its programme expanding steadily in both original productions and collaborative projects. These include Harpa’s Family Programme, which offers around 50 free events annually, the grassroots concert series Upprásin, Classical Sundays, as well as a wide range of major international events.

According to a recent report from the Icelandic Research Centre for Creative Industries, which analysed the economic impact of Harpa, known as the “Harpa Effect”, 1% of all international visitors to Iceland travel specifically to attend an event at Harpa. This underlines the importance of maintaining a strong and distinctive identity, both at home and on the international stage.

A Sustainable and Strategic Investment

Beyond reinforcing Harpa’s independent visual identity, Harpa Sans also represents a financially sustainable solution. While the use of international typefaces incurs recurring licence fees that rise with broader use, Harpa Sans is now wholly owned by the venue, ensuring a future-proofed identity without ongoing obligations.

“By investing in the design of Harpa Sans, we are taking an important step towards strengthening Harpa’s visual image, ensuring long-term cost-efficiency, and supporting Icelandic design,” says Hildur Ottesen Hauksdóttir, Harpa’s Marketing and Promotion Manager.

About the Designer

Gabríel Markan is a graphic and type designer who has developed numerous typefaces for companies and institutions, both independently and in collaboration with the international type foundry Universal Thirst.

“Harpa Sans was created with sufficient neutrality to suit the venue’s diverse programme, while maintaining timeless clarity and distinctive character. Harpa’s architecture was a guiding influence in the design process: its glass façade is the building’s defining feature externally, while the interior is equally striking. The typeface, therefore, needed an architectural quality, with proportions directly inspired by the structure itself. Its high x-height, squared forms, and elongated proportions subtly echo the modules of Harpa’s glass façade. These elements combine to create a sharp and elegant texture in both body text and headings,” explains Markan.

Harpa Sans is already in use across Harpa’s website and promotional materials.