We were commissioned by Guardian News & Media to design the wayfinding and signage for their new offices in Kings Place, London. The 150,000 sq ft offices are arranged over four floors and are planned to the highest environmental standards.
Low environmental impact was a key part of the design brief. Our response was to make the directional signage system entirely out of cardboard. A series of cardboard boxes are screen-printed in vibrant colours and arranged to create dynamic asymmetric shapes. The design of the signage also takes inspiration from the Guardian newspaper, utilising the Egyptian font and colour palette.
The branding at the main entrance is created with individual three-dimensional letters mounted on poles that make up the Guardian and Observer logotypes. The freestanding letters are arranged to create a visual effect which changes depending on your viewpoint.
Meeting room manifestations contain a series of word pairings taken from CP Scott’s 1921 essay ‘A Hundred Years’. The words express ‘plurality of opinion’ and create a layering effect when the sliding doors are opened against the static glazed panels.
Sign Design Society Awards 2009 Winner
Design Week Awards Winner
ISTD International TypoGraphic Awards 2009 Premier Award
D&AD Awards 2009 In Book
Brand Guardian
February 2009
Creative Review talked to Cartlidge Levene about bringing the Guardian brand into the 3d environment at their new offices in Kings Place, London.
