Creating a single brand for a diverse university

University of the Arts London is the UK’s leading arts university and Europe’s largest for art, design, fashion, communication and the performing arts. It comprises six internationally renowned colleges, which were re-branded as one in 2006.

fwdesign was initially commissioned to conduct site audits of the 26 campuses across London to identify signage opportunities and wayfinding requirements to brand the sites as one. The sites and locations were extremely diverse, including conservation areas and Grade 1 listed buildings in central London. 

Collaborating with brand consultancy Lloyd Northover, fwdesign identified a suite of branded signage that could be implemented across the diverse sites: a wall mounted plaque, a freestanding monolith and cut out letters. The individual sign elements were designed with a thorough understanding of local planning requirements to ensure the solutions would be approved across all London boroughs.

fwdesign supported the University of the Arts in developing the brand concepts into products that were fit-for-purpose across all campuses including those in more challenging locations. We supported the entire planning process and managed the competitive tender documents for manufacture. The signage is currently being installed in a phased programme across the campuses.

We continue to support the University on a number of projects including specific department signage, donor recognition schemes and future internal roll-outs.