Gardiner Museum
Project Type
Branding
Wayfinding
Client
Information Design II — George Brown College
The Gardiner Museum is a renowned institution dedicated to the celebration of ceramic art and culture. A brand refresh was undertaken to realign the museum's identity with its slogan 'Building a Community with Clay,' drawing inspiration from the raw materials intrinsic to ceramics. Emphasizing clay's boundless potential, the project extended to improving signage and wayfinding within the museum, enhancing the visitor experience and fostering a deeper connection to the art of ceramics.
Brand Identity
At the heart of the Gardiner Museum's revitalized brand identity is a celebration of clay and its boundless potential. The carefully curated palette draws inspiration from the naturally occurring hues of various clays, infusing the brand with an authentic connection to its artistic roots. A defining feature of the identity is the incorporation of organic blobs, strategically placed to form the visual focal points. These organic shapes not only echo the malleability and fluidity of clay but also serve as dynamic elements that capture the essence of creativity and the ever-evolving nature of ceramic art.
The Logomark
The redesigned logo for the Gardiner Museum embodies a thoughtful balance between fluidity and structure, symbolizing the transformative journey of clay from its raw, malleable state to its hardened form after firing. The deconstructed 'G' evokes this duality, with its round half featuring grooves reminiscent of the ridges found on a pottery wheel, offering a visual nod to the museum's rich heritage and commitment to celebrating ceramic artistry.
Wayfinding
To address accessibility challenges in wayfinding at the Gardiner Museum, bold signage incorporating elements from the brand design was implemented, enhancing navigation within the space while complementing the museum's unique architecture. By carrying over design elements from the brand identity, the signage solutions provide clear and cohesive guidance for visitors while creating memorable expierences.
