Commemorative plaque in honor of Covid-19 victims, Madrid
This plaque in honor of Covid-19 victims dedicated by the Madrid City Council in conjunction with an eternal flame has become extremely controversial in Spain. The typeface chosen by the Council, Hobo, is seen by many citizens and members of the design community as disrespectful and an infamous example of bad taste. As Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia points out:
At the end of last week, José Luis Martínez-Almeida and Begoña Villacís, mayor and vice-mayor of Madrid, respectively, inaugurated a Covid-19 memorial in downtown Madrid. To that purpose a ceremony was held, which included the unveiling of a commemorative plaque and an eternal flame. However, the flame soon extinguished, and municipal workers were called the following day to replace the gas bottles in the installation.
Since then, the monument has become the target of mockery and criticism in social media. Many users have pointed out the typeface chosen for the plaque is not adequate for the occasion. For that reason, many designers have commented on the choice of Hobo Std for the memorial.
