al-humaidhi architects

Al-Humaidhi is an architecture studio located in Kuwait, focused on providing each client with the most appropriate solution shaped by their needs.

Baring this in mind, the branding concept explored the responsiveness and adaptability through simplified forms and a minimal look-and-feel combined with specific paper textures.

The result was a logo capable of incorporating a customized message according to a particular context/client. The abbreviation of the logo into the symbol A—A is a response to the need to adjust to smaller screens and layouts.

The brand recognition strategy on digital outputs seeks to conjugate two sides: abstraction and empathy, through the adaptability of the logo.

We also designed a printed portfolio showcasing the architects’ best works.

3x3 basketball

We were recently invited by FAP (Federação Académica do Porto) to submit a proposal for the logo of 2019 Porto European Universities 3x3 Basketball Championship. 

The goal was to create a distinct symbol that will represent the city of Porto and 3x3 basketball while evoking the essential qualities of both.

Our approach, which ended up not being chosen, is a vibrant and modern, geometrically constructed symbol that weaves in such elements as the little houses of Ribeira, the Douro River, and Dom Luís I Bridge, with a basketball in the middle of the composition.

tidied up

Being a biweekly publication, UMdicas* is a student’s journal of the University of Minho with 2000 copies in print and distribution throughout the whole region. 

The challenge was to refresh the publication’s look, making it structurally more consistent and visually appealing and prepare a template that can be implemented by the in-house designer.

it’s got looks, it’s got class.

For a trustworthy but approachable and captivating air, a selection of typefaces was put together. The chromatic palette has been slightly adjusted to obtain a more harmonious result. Moreover, the 12-column grid allows great flexibility in placement and cropping of text and photographs.

from a letter-mark to a word-mark

For a more consistent employment of the new visual program, we also redesigned the logo. The before stand-alone letter d is now an integral part of the newspaper title.

* Founded in 2003, UMdicas is a periodical publication that provides general information and reporting on UMinho’s academic, scientific and training aspect, giving privilege to the coverage of the activities of the SASUM (Social Services of University of Minho) with particular focus in sporting, cultural and recreational activities. It aims to be a space open to the propagation of the events developed by the academy, seeking to dignify and promote the image of the university, and the projects and partnerships developed within it.

leaving a mark

Once again, we were challenged to give a face to the yearly publication issued on the occasion of the anniversary of the University of Minho. This year’s Revista UMinho explores the theme of interaction between the university and society, in its different modes and effects.

The University of Minho presents itself as a “promoter of economic, social and cultural development” and it’s characterised by a strong bond with its surrounding environment, thereby plays an active role in reshaping it.

The cover aims to reflect the mark that UMinho’s leaves on the community through the projects and actions it promotes. For that, there seemed to be no better way to represent the metaphor of a fingerprint than through the application of blind embossing.

The magazine inner pages are divided into three parts, where each has been assigned a slightly different tone of voice expressed through a somewhat different layout, as well as the type of paper and—in case of the editorial part—also a different page size.

open ground to those who come

Revista UMinho is a yearly publication issued for the anniversary of the University of Minho. This year’s edition (2017) was created under the theme “Chão aberto a quem chegar” (“Open Ground to Those Who Come”)—a verse from the lyrics of the University’s hymn.

We were challenged to find means to represent through the look and feel of the piece the openness of the institution—the eagerness and flexibility to meet any expectations of the newcomers.

What if there was a door, one that never closes?

We designed the magazine with a cut through—a square-shaped aperture in the middle of the piece, which carries throughout each and every page. The negative space is an integral element of the object. It takes an active part in interaction with the booklet, too.

The matt paper we chose for the cover of a warm grey shade, and texture of fine sand (Andina Grey from Curious Matter collection). It resembles the architectural structures of the university, while the warm red clay colour (used inside) symbolises the people.

The special transparent bookmark features additional information about the anniversary, and when in place it reveals the UMinho logo inside the opening.