The challenge

We were tasked with creating a series of coordinated graphic interventions to improve the sense of community and reflect the personality of the university within the physical environment.

What we did

Our work with the University of Bedfordshire gave us the chance to really let our creative juices flow. We worked with the university to develop a new brand that provides cohesion and community. We:

• reflected key messages and provided innovative ideas
• produced concepts for faculties and schools to create dynamic and inspiring internal zones with corresponding personalities for each
• produced concepts for internal entrance points, welcome areas and shared spaces
• produced designs and artwork for corridors and shared spaces within the zones
• reflected the learning taking place in each zone
• featured students, alumni and inspiring personalities/industry leaders

Phase one focused on creating a series of welcome spaces within key campus buildings, thinking particularly about how to be inclusive to all users.

Phase two focused on the faculties, using rationalised colour palettes to create a series of tonally infused spaces that represent each faculty and its schools. We used colour psychology to influence the palettes and worked closely with the recruitment, outreach, admissions and marketing teams to develop messages that convey each faculty’s voice.

Phase three was influenced by user engagement and focused on creating a series of community spaces that display student and graduate success as well as diversity values.  

Why it works

The branding design uses a unique combination of colours to demarcate areas through a fusion of geometric shapes. By introducing the new spatial design principles into the built environment, the art underpins the university’s values.

The branded spaces encourage students, staff, researchers and visitors to engage with the space and with each other.

The consistent use of geometric shapes underpins the university’s values throughout the scheme and creates a cohesion throughout the spaces, buildings and campuses.

The project secured a recommendation at the 2023 International Institute for Information Design awards, in particular being recognised for its holistic information design approach.