The Forum
University of Exeter
Studio
Thomas.Matthews Communication Design
Project scope
Brand Identity, Wayfinding & Signage
Role
Design, Artworking, Project Management
Images
© Thomas.Matthews / Hufton & Crow
The Forum is a stunning £48 million centrepiece that has transformed the heart of the Streatham Campus at the University of Exeter. Designed by Wilkinson Eyre Architects, an undulating gridshell roof unifies a series of old and new student-focused internal spaces, with the scheme creating a green corridor to connect with the wider landscape.
The visual identity was inspired by the Forum’s triangular grid-shell roof and uniting the spaces. Collaborating with Gennaro Senatore, a bespoke algorithm was created to re-interpret images of natural forms found from the University’s gardens and arboretum and shadow play from the light wells in the roof canopy, producing a beautiful pattern that could be used across a variety of touchpoints in the built environment. The pattern helped connect the new and existing spaces – complementing the architecture.
For continuity, the University’s brand typeface was used across the visual identity, connecting with existing touch points across campus. The display typeface Forum Outline & Inline were created for large scale use, headlines and numerals within the Forum building area, influenced by the pattern.
The colour palette for the Forum took inspiration from the materials found within the architecture. The bright and bold colour palette helped to define the new spaces within the Forum area, all grounded by a base of deep black copper that was used across the identity.
The central area of the Forum featured the dark black copper across the signage, with the colour only changing upon entering a new space.
Signage examples.
To define the new spaces and destinations further, identities were created. These sub-brands helped communicate what each area offered whilst remaining part of the larger Forum identity.
