2 February, 2017
The Willem II Fabriek in ‘s-Hertogenbosch is a cultural hotspot located in a former cigar factory. Today the monumental building accommodates more than 30 artists, designers, illustrators, architects, and filmmakers. There’s a graphic workshop, a venue, meeting place, and four exhibition spaces. The aim is to stimulate cross-over collaborations between different art disciplines.
Nearest Neighbour, were asked to design a framework in which all residents could present themselves as independent organisations, while also displaying the collective mindset. The concept they pitched is built upon the foundation that the Willem II Fabriek features a versatile character that’s visualised through the diversity in use. It shows that the Willem II Fabriek stimulates new encounters and creates new collaborations.
A dynamic identity, adaptable to the need of appliance and expression instead of a static logotype, was an obvious solution. So they designed a custom typeface with a modular font-system, based upon the grid of the exterior of the historical building.
The way the typeface is displayed symbolises the use of shared space by all the different parties housed in the Willem II Fabriek.
The colour palette refers to the interior; the green architecture reminds of old industrial times while the orange and yellow, used in the renovation, illustrates the new fulfilment.
Comments