Publication

Journal	Raddar
Page(s)	169 - 184
Title of proceedings	Raddar

Launched in 1999, Lineto was among the first digital foundries of Switzerland. Merging the possibilities offered by digital type design and the promises of the web, it evolved from informal collaboration to powerhouse of Swiss type design selling its edge to clients such as Airbnb, Dell or Spotify. However, Lineto was not just a type reseller: it was always intended to be a platform serving several purposes. Retracing its evolution unveils the many unusual functions taken by the foundry, including its role as network, trading place for ideas and attitudes as well as publishing platform, distribution structure and catalyst. In doing so, Lineto supported the development of type design but also of more experimental projects, thus impacting on the wider discourse of Swiss design. Finally, circling around Lineto reveals its centre of gravity: many paths lead to Cornel Windlin, and his role as central node is analysed.