Novamondo
Hamburg Institute of Advanced Studies e.V.
2019 — heute
Brand design
UI/UX design
print media
Magazine
People from a wide range of disciplines and cultures exchange ideas, discuss, learn from each other and develop visions for the future – whether at organised events with politicians and the press or informally over a meal together. Since 2021, we have been helping the HIAS to bring this spirit to life visually.
Challenge
How can this special meeting place be translated into a design concept? How can our design show that it is precisely the encounter of the most diverse perspectives that creates something new at HIAS? How can we make the invisible visible – the reflection, the curious listening, the playful shifting of perspectives? And how should we further develop the existing HIAS graphic system – with symbols reminiscent of the international flag alphabet – with this in mind?
Approach
Our design idea is based on the principle of encounter. Different visual worlds come together and form new constellations – just as different people come together at HIAS to think new things together. The result is more than the sum of the individual parts – just like in a real exchange. This dynamic is reflected in the entire corporate design.
It is particularly tangible in the print sector: the annual HIAS magazine contains a picture section with die-cut pages that can be combined in different ways – like a classic fold-out book for children – and thus constantly create new pairs of images and associations. We also use special folds and unusual trim shapes in flyers to create surprising visual connections that invite discovery: For example, flyers can be opened in different directions – new combinations of image and content are created with every movement.
In the digital space, we work with randomly generated image combinations. On the website and in the online magazine, visual fragments come together again and again. The interface remains clear, calm and functional – like the HIAS itself: a place of concentration and openness.
Why we love this project
The HIAS is not only an inspiring place, but also an inspiring client. We are particularly pleased about the openness to work with our own, often historical visual language – and about the intensive research work, which often becomes a small process of realisation in itself.
In 2025, HIAS celebrates its fifth anniversary. For us, this is a great opportunity not only to look back, but also to look forward: to many more creative encounters.