Univers
Univers is a neo-grotesque, sans serif typeface designed by Adrian Frutiger in 1956 and released by the type-foundry Deberny & Peignot in 1957.
It is similar to Helvetica which was designed by Max Miedinger around the same time. These typefaces figure prominently in the Swiss International Style of graphic design.
Different weights and variations within the type family, which consists of twenty-one typefaces in all, are designated by the use of numbers rather than names, a system since adopted by Frutiger for other type designs.
Usage
It enjoyed great popularity in the 1960s and 1970s, becoming the sans-serif typeface most favoured by designers at that time, and has been used by the new Swiss International Air Lines (Swissair, the predecessor of Swiss, used the typeface Futura), Deutsche Bank and for signage all over the world. It is known for its clear lines and legibility at great distances.
The Paris Metro also makes extensive use of the font.
See also
