Hyzy World Youth Center: A Gateway to the Future

Innovative logo and mascot design embodying youth, care, and vision

The Hyzy World Youth Activity Center in Shanghai stands as China’s largest facility of its kind, and its new visual identity by Ecust Creplus Design sets a benchmark for architectural branding. The award-winning design reimagines traditional logo concepts, merging architectural inspiration with emotional resonance to reflect the center’s commitment to nurturing future generations.

Ecust Creplus Design approached the branding of Hyzy World Youth Activity Center with a focus on simplicity and symbolism. Rather than overwhelming the logo with intricate details, the design team distilled the essence of the center’s architecture into a single, powerful motif: the arch. This element, frequently cited as the most iconic feature of the complex, is seamlessly integrated into a circular form, representing wholeness and perfection. The result is a logo that is both modern and minimalist, yet rich with meaning.

What sets this design apart is its innovative transition from two-dimensional graphics to a three-dimensional structure. The logo’s open, converging form not only preserves the integrity of the ring but also introduces a dynamic quality that echoes the center’s forward-looking philosophy. The central arch, a nod to the building’s architecture, doubles as a symbolic “Gateway to the Future,” reinforcing the center’s mission to inspire and educate youth.

A unique feature of the logo is its hidden “heart” detail. Viewed from above, the logo naturally forms a heart shape, and under specific lighting, its shadow also reveals a heart. This dual-heart concept encapsulates the center’s core philosophy of “educating with love,” adding a layer of emotional depth that resonates with both visitors and the community.

The visual identity extends to the center’s mascots, inspired by the Whale Theater, the only figurative building within the complex. Two charming whale avatars—one boy and one girl—embody energy and playfulness, with their costumes featuring the signature arch motif. When seen from above, the mascots together form the image of two whales, further reinforcing the center’s branding and architectural themes.

The project’s development involved extensive research and creative exploration. After a three-month logo competition failed to yield satisfactory results, Ecust Creplus Design was commissioned to deliver a solution that would meet the brand owner’s high standards. Over two months, the team delved into the architectural and conceptual foundations of the center, ultimately producing a design that garnered high praise and recognition, including the prestigious Golden A' Design Award in 2025.

The Hyzy World Youth Activity Center’s new identity is a testament to the power of thoughtful design in shaping public spaces. By blending architectural inspiration with innovative visual storytelling, Ecust Creplus Design has created a brand that not only stands out visually but also embodies the values and aspirations of the community it serves.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: ECUST | Hao SHAN
Image Credits: All Copyrights ECUST-Creplus Design, 2025
Project Team Members: Creative Director: Shan Hao Art Director: Du Weimiao Graphic Designer: Hua Yizhou
Project Name: HYZY World Youth Activity Center
Project Client: HYZY World Youth Activity Center


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