Officially opened in 2008, new French cultural institute 104/Le Cent Quatre first roped in Experimental Jetset to 'simply' design a fully comprehensive corporate identity manual that would later be implemented by other designers. The initial brief had even stated that no logo was required, but as luck (and possibly fate) had it, the institute's directors liked the proposed logo so much that they retained it and commissioned Experimental Jetset to see through some of the collateral.
As such, Experiment Jetset did manage to use their wayfinding system as they had originally intended in La Traversee (images above), an exhibition that took place in the cultural institute before it was officially opened. The concept centred on work-in-progress – "the idea that 104, as a project, is never finished, always evolving, eternally 'under construction' " and the use of scaffolding as an idea to represent the "continuous cycle of building, demolishing and rebuilding".
Walter Benjamin's The Arcades Project ,which had a chapter on the history and ideology of metal constructions and the use of iron in Paris (for eg. the Eiffel Tower), provided a rich source of inspiration for Experimental Jetset, particularly the idea of street furniture (barricades, billboards, kiosks, etc) and the 'street as a theatre' or 'theatre as a street' as expressed in Liubov Popove's constructionist stage designs.
Set with the notion of using iron constructions to emphasise the early industrial architecture of Le Cent Quatre, Experimental Jetset created a modular system of street furniture to house their sign system. Futura was chosen as the corporate font and then modified in parts due to its geometric form and early industrial references. With inspiration taken from the old geometric SMPF sign that stood at the site, they developed the cultural institute's logotype with the line/stripe, circle and triangle that made up 104, providing a base for the sign system:
Strengths As such, Experiment Jetset did manage to use their wayfinding system as they had originally intended in La Traversee (images above), an exhibition that took place in the cultural institute before it was officially opened. The concept centred on work-in-progress – "the idea that 104, as a project, is never finished, always evolving, eternally 'under construction' " and the use of scaffolding as an idea to represent the "continuous cycle of building, demolishing and rebuilding".
Walter Benjamin's The Arcades Project ,which had a chapter on the history and ideology of metal constructions and the use of iron in Paris (for eg. the Eiffel Tower), provided a rich source of inspiration for Experimental Jetset, particularly the idea of street furniture (barricades, billboards, kiosks, etc) and the 'street as a theatre' or 'theatre as a street' as expressed in Liubov Popove's constructionist stage designs.
Set with the notion of using iron constructions to emphasise the early industrial architecture of Le Cent Quatre, Experimental Jetset created a modular system of street furniture to house their sign system. Futura was chosen as the corporate font and then modified in parts due to its geometric form and early industrial references. With inspiration taken from the old geometric SMPF sign that stood at the site, they developed the cultural institute's logotype with the line/stripe, circle and triangle that made up 104, providing a base for the sign system:
- stripe as line to be followed
- circle as spot to mark a location
- triangle as arrow
good contrast type
complements its environment
cohesive link to its overall corporate identity
Weaknesses
circle denoting area might not be immediately obvious to the viewer as a destination marker
Experimental Jetset were not retained to complete the design of the remaining wayfinding system
– leaves the design vulnerable to being less effective and might result in confusion for the public
1 comments:
Choose excellence with Sign Board Manufacturers in Chennai. Pioneering the art of signage creation, they offer a diverse range of tailor-made solutions. From striking designs to flawless execution, their experienced team ensures every signage project captures attention and delivers a strong message. With an emphasis on quality materials and timely delivery, Sign Board Manufacturers in Chennai stand as the reliable choice for businesses and organizations seeking impactful and durable signage solutions that make a lasting impression.
Post a Comment