More and more branding schemes include an element of motion in them, adding an element of moving and fluidity, but a new scheme from London studio DixonBaxi has taken things to the next level. Its brand for canalside location Paddington Central incorporates the dynamic nature of the area with a brand that changes throughout the day.
Central to the new identity is the new 'P' symbol, which acts as a living sundial by changing hour by hour to create different forms. The symbol is pleasing on its own, but really comes to life with movement (see below). DixonBaxi certainly don't need our how to design a logo guide.
Typographic installations also react to sunlight or passersby, revealing poetic stories and words. Physical wayfinding systems are revealed when shadows move across walls and surfaces, while digital signage updates throughout the day. This means the branding stays fresh and almost alive, as it changes continually according to the weather, just like the place itself.
A very clever use of shadow (Image credit: DixonBaxi)
The watery surroundings have also been considered in the typography, with the main typeface Maax Micro used as its "exaggerated curved ink traps echoing the water". For detail, Atlas Typewriter is used, "almost like the glints of sunlight on the water".
The typefaces reflect the watery surroundings (Image credit: DixonBaxi)
There's an overriding sense that this brand is embedded in the area itself. "With the team spending days and nights at Paddington Central, we felt the energy, vibrancy and pace shifts," says Leah Surynt, design director at DixonBaxi. "Sitting by the canal, watching the light glint off the canal and the sweeping shadows framing moments, people, and buildings led us to create a brand that captured this layered, always changing feeling with the new P symbol and sundial expression."
The muted tones of the colour palette, mixed with more vibrant hues make for a calming yet dynamic identity, which we imagine people will enjoy for years to come.
Rosie Hilder is Creative Bloq's Deputy Editor. After beginning her career in journalism in Argentina – where she worked as Deputy Editor of Time Out Buenos Aires – she moved back to the UK and joined Future Plc in 2016. Since then, she's worked as Operations Editor on magazines including Computer Arts, 3D World and Paint & Draw and Mac|Life. In 2018, she joined Creative Bloq, where she now assists with the daily management of the site, including growing the site's reach, getting involved in events, such as judging the Brand Impact Awards, and helping make sure our content serves the reader as best it can.
