Beacon House
University of Bristol
Beacon House is the University of Bristol’s new café, reception and study area, based right in the heart of the city. We’ve created branding, internal and external signage and graphics for the building.
Our brief was to work with architects and the project team to create a common visual identity that flowed throughout the building from the décor to exhibits and window displays. As the new University building is open to the public as well as students, it was important to give Beacon House its own individual feel while at the same time ensuring it could be identified as a University space. Interior designers then came up with themes and shapes for the furnishings using our brand document.
We used different colours and graphics to define each zone in Beacon House. In the reception area, which had a red theme we designed large prints showcasing some of the work being done by the University. We also created a timeline to show University achievements over the decades along with some of its most prominent students such as Julia Donaldson and Simon Pegg.
In the café, pictures from the University archives have been used to create graphic wallpaper while passers-by are given a taste of what the University can offer with bold window graphics.
On the ground and first floor flexible study areas have a big graphic learning wall full of inspiring words as well as a messaging space for students to write their thoughts. Throughout the building Beacon House’s brand is reinforced through wayfinding systems and signage. We also designed motion graphics for all the display monitors.
There’s been a great response to the new building so far with students flocking through the doors to try out the new space.
“Beacon House is a really exciting addition to the University as the building is in such a prime position. It will accommodate and energise and inspire students in a welcoming and flexible environment and showcase the best of the University to our visitors.”
– Judith Squires, University Pro Vice-Chancellor
