L’île.26.217

Published March 12, 2025

Contributed by Blaze Type

The book L’île.26.217, published by Compagnie Ola, is a unique editorial project that reflects a year-long immersion into the discreet and often little-known world of the penitentiary system, specifically within the École nationale d’administration pénitentiaire (ENAP), located in Agen, in the southwest of France. This project is the result of a collaboration between Compagnie Ola and ENAP.

Printed in november 2024 by ENAP, the book offers a profound exploration of the social dynamics observed within the prison system, structured into three distinct chapters in varied formats. Chapter I measures 135×180mm, the second chapter is sized 270×180mm, and the format of chapter III is 270×88 mm.

Typography plays a central role in shaping the book’s strong visual identity. Arges from Blaze Type and Publico and Publico Text Mono from Commercial Type add a contemporary and austere dimension. A personal touch is added with handwritten words by Marie Guerrier. Graphic design and art direction were led by Guillaume Ruiz. Geneviève Rando, Jonathan Burgun, and Anne-Cécile Paredes authored the immersive story, enriched by a sound creation from Johann Mazé, a musician based in Bordeaux, and photographs taken by Paredes. The project also benefits from the contributions of social dynamics researchers Delphine Saurier and Cécile Rambourg, under the editorial supervision of Elsa Bourgain.

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