TWK Lausanne

Originally released by Nizar Kazan in 2019, updated and reissued with Weltkern in 2021. Some versions circulating prior to 2019 [fontsinuse.com].

Designed as a modern response to historical sans-serifs like Helvetica, Lausanne brings a contemporary edge shaped by the possibilities of digital typography. This includes the duality and adaptability of distinct “Text” and “Display” styles, ensuring optimal performance across different contexts. Its compact appearance, achieved through short ascenders and descenders, adds to its clean and structured feel, making it as functional as it is elegant. The letter “a” in Lausanne stands out with its distinctive features—particularly the subtle drop-like detail within its form. This organic approach extends to other characters, like the geometric yet almost Roman-inspired shapes found in the “s” or those contained within the “O.” The idea was to create a grotesque sans-serif that feels ultra-organic, almost psychedelic, but in a way that whispers rather than shouts. The inspiration came from the notion that typefaces often perceived as neutral or basic, like Helvetica, can sometimes be seen by designers as almost psychedelic due to their interplay of shapes, counterforms, and curves. This paradox was deeply intriguing and led to Lausanne’s unique design—a typeface that takes these principles to the extreme while maintaining balance and functionality. The result is a font that feels both unconventional and harmonious, capable of adapting to countless uses without ever feeling overworked. This versatility has been proven by its incredible range of applications across diverse projects and industries. [weltkern.com]