Mtrl Kyoto: A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation

Hiromi Maeo's Award-Winning Visual Identity Design

The inspiration for Mtrl Kyoto came from various sources. Traditional Japanese motifs such as Ichimatsumon, Ishidatamimon, Ohgimon, Seikaiha, Senmenmon, and Kanokoshibori were blended with new technology motifs like printed circuit boards and sensor board components. The concept of "bits to atoms" from the maker movement also played a significant role in shaping the design.

Mtrl Kyoto's uniqueness lies in its representation of materials. They are not just physical but also include human resources, corporate entities, and the founder of Mtrl. The identity symbolizes the gathering and interaction of these diverse elements, their synergistic effect, and their continuous transformation. The dynamic combination of icons stimulates creativity and co-creates innovations and businesses.

The logo was created by combining four fundamental material symbols based on a 10 x 10 grid. This grid was designed to achieve pixel perfection and to symbolize the fundamental "bits to atoms" essence of the maker movement. Each square of the material symbols represents a bit, the smallest unit of digital information, which is also considered a material.

The design was realized using mainly square grids to facilitate the combination of material symbols. This approach made it easy for anyone to combine material symbols. The typeface of the logo was newly created for this purpose. Individual material symbols represent people gathering in Mtrl, and users can freely combine these symbols and use them as logos. The symbols can also be used as a typeface or an icon, and their usage is free.

The project started in June 2015 in Kyoto and was completed in January 2016 in Kyoto and Tokyo. The design process involved overcoming challenges related to the degree of freedom allowed in the use of symbols and their components. The design symbolizes the dynamic elements of Mtrl, a collaborative workspace that promotes collaboration. The symbols change according to conditions, and the elements that make up the symbols also change into signs and letters.

In conclusion, Mtrl Kyoto is a testament to the fusion of tradition and innovation, a visual identity that symbolizes diversity, synergy, and transformation. It is a design that stimulates creativity and co-creates innovations and businesses, a design that truly represents the spirit of the maker movement.