Typefaces
Hommage to 1972
Originally created in 1972 by Swiss designer Roland Hirter during the era of phototypesetting, Linea 72 is a display typeface that reflects the meticulous hand-drawn techniques of its time. The process back then was slow and deliberate, with each step requiring significant time and precision. Recognizing the value of this unique typeface, Roland’s son Thomas decided to digitize and expand the font for its 50th anniversary in 2022. This modern revival introduces new features while preserving the original design’s retro appeal.
The updated Linea 72 includes ten stylistic sets, offering a variety of character alternatives that enhance its versatility. In addition to the original Regular and Kontur styles, a new Inline style has been introduced in 2024, broadening the typeface’s application in contemporary design projects.
Design: Roland Hirter, 1972 / Thomas Hirter, 2022
The vocabulary of a typeface
In order to describe the character of a typeface, we need to analyse the forms from which it is composed. It is the library of forms that determines its appearance. In linguistics, the term lexis (from Ancient Greek λέξις) designates the complete set of all possible words in a language. In the case of Lexik and its visual vocabulary it is a mixture of generous round forms and radical and angular endings. During the design process a number of humanist antiqua typefaces were examined, resulting in the generous proportions and the excellent legibility. On the other hand, it is the coarse shaping of the serifs and endings that constitutes Lexik’s contemporary look.
Design: Thomas Hirter in cooperation with Binnenland, 2021
Monoline charme
Lunica is a unique monolinear take on the traditional serif typeface. While classic serif fonts typically feature contrasting horizontal and vertical strokes, Lunica’s consistent line weight defies convention. Its geometric serifs and handwriting-inspired flourishes give it a distinctive, poetic character. Emphasizing the monoline concept, no optical corrections were made, except for overshoots on round shapes. The rounded endings enhance its graphic impact, giving the typeface the look of an engraving font.
Design: Thomas Hirter, 2014/2016