Shanghai Westbund: A Timeless and Dynamic Corporate IdentityUnveiling the Cultural Influences of Shanghai
With the vibe of Shanghai, the Shanghai Westbund has transformed from an industrial area to one of China's most significant cultural districts. Drawing millions of Chinese and international tourists each year, the Westbund is a hub of ever-flowing and changing cultural influences. As the saying goes, "You can't fix culture like you can't fix the stream of the river."
The Shanghai Westbund, designed by Hesse Shanghai, Klaus Hesse, Shen Tu, and Jiang Yi, stands out as a unique and captivating corporate identity. What sets it apart is the clever incorporation of the Xuhui riverbank into the design. The "w" of the Westbund logo follows the course of the river, seamlessly merging into the bold "B" that represents the nearby spectacular skyscrapers of Shanghai City. This logo, drawn with a single line, beautifully connects the natural flow of the river with the bustling cityscape.
Timelessness and clarity are the defining characteristics of the Westbund logo. The static yet moving waves symbolize the dynamic nature of the cultural institutions located in the Westbund. It captures the essence of the area, visualizing its vibrant and ever-evolving nature.
One of the remarkable aspects of the Westbund logo is its versatility. It goes beyond being just a logo; it serves as a unifying element for major events such as the Westbund Art Festival, Westbund Music Festival, and Westbund Food Festival. This cohesive visual identity creates a sense of continuity and excitement, tying together the diverse cultural experiences offered by the Westbund.
The design team, consisting of Klaus Hesse, Shen Tu, Jiang Yi, and Zeng Ping, worked tirelessly from September 2017 to February 2018 in Shanghai to bring this captivating corporate identity to life. They faced creative, technical, and research challenges along the way, ensuring that the Westbund logo accurately represented the spirit and energy of the area.
Recognized for its outstanding creativity and ingenuity, the Shanghai Westbund corporate identity was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in 2019. This prestigious accolade is bestowed upon designs that exemplify resourcefulness and authenticity, incorporating best practices in art, science, design, and technology. The Westbund logo, with its strong technical and creative skills, contributes to the improvement of quality of life, making the world a better place.
Project Details and Credits
Project Designers: Klaus Hesse, Shen Tu, Jiang Yi
Image Credits: Klaus Hesse, Shen Tu, Jiang Yi
Project Team Members: Klaus Hesse
Shen Tu
Jiang Yi
Zeng Ping
Project Name: Shanghai Westbund
Project Client: Klaus Hesse, Shen Tu, Jiang Yi