Burkhalter Group Corporate Typeface

Client: Burkhalter Group, Zurich
Corporate Design: HI Schweiz, Lucerne
Yves Herger, Daniel Klauser

Typeface: Burkhalter
Typeface Design: Binnenland, 2023/24
Specimen Design: HI Schweiz, Daniel Klauser
Photographs: Pascal Petignat

The new Burkhalter corporate typeface is based on the evaluation criteria of the previous typeface. Its qualities in appearance were taken up in the new typeface in a formal borrowing. Possible new approaches were tested using exemplary characters. We used blurred visualisations of the letterforms to analyse formal possibilities about their recognisability in order to derive design decisions. For example, inktraps and end forms have been developed with a sharpened presence and a strong individual character.

In the further development, the entire new alphabet was built up as a medium bold typeface, all weights were determined from this and transferred to the font family. The new Burkhalter typeface is a subliminally technical-looking sans serif font with a low line width contrast. With its dynamic curves moulded into the corners, strongly flattened curved outlets and vertically cut ends, it conveys a contemporary, modern look. The high x-height and the well-proportioned width make it an elegant yet robust corporate typeface.

During the entire development process, there was an intensive dialogue with the agency HI. The responsible decision-makers at Burkhalter were also involved in the process to ensure that they perceived the new typeface as a convincing and attractive representation of the company. The typeface represents the extremely interesting concept of HI Switzerland, the Burkhalter typeface will create an identity for all 80 companies in the Burkhalter Group. An inspired new perspective thus combines heating and cooling, ventilation and air conditioning, sanitary and electrical engineering.

Using blurred visualisations of the letterforms to analyse their recognisability and derive design decisions.