by using illumination as a design element and developing a
unique three-dimensional “space increment,”
facilitated the Department’s field inspections.
Down began as a study in restraint, drawing from familiar models that have long defined clarity and legibility. An early spark came from an unexpected place: a hospital sign that read “Down.” The word itself was unremarkable, yet the lettering carried a quiet confidence. Its forms were familiar, anchored in proportions that felt both functional and humane, free of ornament but not devoid of character.
What started as an exercise in channeling those properties—simplicity, stability, and balance—gradually revealed deeper potential. The more the shapes were refined, the more they suggested a voice that went beyond utility. The typeface was no longer merely a translation of models already known; it was becoming something distinct. Each curve and counter carried forward the spirit of the original inspiration, but with a rhythm and personality of its own. In that shift, the project transformed from replication into discovery, opening the path for a new, purposeful design.
Supports basic Latin and Latin extended languages. For more details, download PDF specimen