Adrian Frutiger designed the Avenir font in 1988, driven by a long-standing interest in sans serif typefaces. In an interview with Linotype, he explained that he aimed to create a linear sans serif in the tradition of Erbar and Futura while incorporating the stylistic advancements of the twentieth century.
The name Avenir means “future” in French, reflecting its forward-looking design. While inspired by Futura, Avenir diverges from a purely geometric approach. It features thicker vertical strokes compared to horizontal ones, a slightly oval-shaped letter “o,” and shortened risers.
These subtle design choices enhance readability and provide Avenir with a balanced and cohesive appearance, making it suitable for both body text and headings.
