About

Raising money for Simon Community Scotland's Connect Hub, we (strategic design studio Need) have released a run of prints featuring three typefaces we've designed. When you buy a print, you'll get the typeface featured in that print for free – all while helping to support women experiencing homelessness.

The charity.

Opened in 2024, Simon Community Scotland's Connect Hub is a safe place for women based in Glasgow. Its entire design – from the facilities down to the decor – is designed by women experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, homelessness.

With development, wellbeing and connection at its core, the centre provides women with pathways to build skills and connections that help tackle the causes and consequences of homelessness. Here, women can access the right support, in the right way, at the right time.

Connect Hub needs funding to continue supporting the 200+ women who have already come through the door in the first year alone (find more amazing stats in their impact report).

That's where you come in.

The prints.

We've designed three prints using typefaces inspired by brutalist church architecture. The prints are a limited run, and are on sale for £20 each – or £50 if you buy all three – and you can choose to donate more when purchasing. When you buy a print, you'll get the typeface used in that print for free. Free!

The architects.

A Scottish architectural firm famous for their application of modernism in churches, Gillespie, Kidd & Coia was founded in 1927 – though they’re best known for their post-war period work.

The firm secured their first commission for the Roman Catholic Church in 1928, and worked with the church until the late 1970s – a decade prior to winding up the business. At the time, they were one of very few architectural practices trusted to design churches for the new towns spreading across Scotland.

Their work is still taught, discussed and explored today.

Need.

Find out more about our studio here.