Redefining The Four Pillars
The International Institute of Buffalo has been the lynchpin in helping refugees and immigrants acclimate to the city and the new country they reside in. Serving the community for one hundred years, I found it was imperative to give this rebrand the respect and attention it deserved.
One of the defining features about this organization was its internal structure. The Institute contained four important departments, each equally important (thus the four pillars) as the next. In the past there was a lot of dabbling with the concept of utilizing architectural forms; creating imagery that included four vertical lines/shapes. In the end it is their unified purpose that keeps this organization so strong. Each shape is representative of a department, and when combined, create a much stronger structure.
The colors
The client wanted a palette that was calming, but had a sense of strength with its advocacy. This started out as a challenge since they wanted to retain a cold palette, but appreciated it if we could warm it up a bit. The solution came in the form of a muted orange/red that married well with the gradient of green/blues.
The Pillars
Each pillar is constructed from the other department shapes, further cementing the efforts of the institution as a whole. It was fascinating trying to create each combination in a shape which was properly representative without rotating anything.
Refugee services - A habitation / roof overhead
Education Services - Chalkboard
Survivor Services - Hands meeting together
Language Services - A letterform/ "V"
It also allows for each department to still retain its color designation, receive a unique visual treatment, and remain as an element of the main mark. This project was truly a wonderful experience; to work with an amazing organization within our community.
Created at 19 IDEAS
