Playgroup | Helping brands build genuine brand equity

Branding from the inside out

Brief

The branding of the building had to meet objectives for both internal and external audiences alike. Firstly we had to create an energising environment that people would enjoy working in - a place encouraging interaction and creativity. We also had to ensure that Unilever was showcased to the outside world as a market leader and a company that is living it's mission, through a range of themes including consumers and sustainability.

Solution

Open plan office spaces were framed with consumer lifestyle imagery and energising blocks of colour, depicting the Unilever mission in action. These areas were designed to stimulate open communication and engage employees with the brands.

Meeting rooms centered on a micro/macro theme, looking at production, processes and raw materials. A distinctive graphic 'barcode' style combining image and colour was adopted, which whilst highly decorative also educates and reinforces an understanding of the business as a whole.

Informal spaces were designed to inspire creativity and encourage brainstorming whilst 'quiet' rooms allowed for calm, thoughtful work.

The branding of communal spaces like the gym, café and vending areas are perhaps more surprising and playful. Huge images of cows and giant berries combined with motivational messages promote vitality more directly.

Results

An inspiring workplace, that has been extremely well received by all levels of the organisation. Employees speak in terms of feeling 'valued that they have place like this to work in', and that it is a ‘refreshing application of the brand’. The success of the project has led Playgroup to other related projects including signage and restaurant branding.