Swiss Style vs Univers
Univers is the cross-discipline counterpart of Swiss Style.
Swiss Style
The mid-century gospel of objective design — mathematical grids, flush-left ragged-right sans-serif type (Helvetica, Akzidenz-Grotesk), generous white space, and photography in place of illustration.
- Mathematical modular grid underlying every element
- Neo-grotesque sans-serif type (Helvetica, Akzidenz-Grotesk)
- Flush-left, ragged-right text setting
- Asymmetric layout balanced by generous white space
- Objective photography instead of illustration
Univers
Adrian Frutiger's 1957 neo-grotesque — the first type family conceived as a rational, numbered system of 21 coordinated weights and widths, a masterpiece of Swiss order released the same year as Helvetica.
- Conceived as a system of 21 numbered weights and widths
- Even, near-monoline strokes with a subtle taper
- Slightly splayed leg on the capital R
- Closed aperture and disciplined neo-grotesque forms
- Marginally lower x-height than Helvetica
At a glance
| Swiss Style | Univers | |
|---|---|---|
| Era | 1950s–1970s | 1957 |
| Discipline | Graphic Design | Typography |
| Region | Switzerland, Germany, International | France, Switzerland |
| Family | Modernist, International | Sans-serif |
| Formal traits | grid-based, sans-serif, asymmetric, minimal | neo-grotesque, monoline, systematic, high-x-height |
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