Located in Vila Nova de Cerveira, north of Portugal, Hotel Minho decided to renew its installations (Virgula i Architects) as well as the whole graphic identity. R2 was asked to create the new design concept, which should reflect the contemporaneity of the building and also the character of the region.
We were requested to create a signage system that should fit with the architecture project, and would interact and blend perfectly with the colour palette and materials. Our aim was to create a harmonious relationship between different materials, maintaining the aesthetic and consistent quality throughout the system.
The stag — symbol of the region — was chosen as the identity’s basilar sign and designed in various positions. The pictograms were designed based on the structure of the typeface Capibara (designed by Pieter van Rosmalen for Bold Monday, in 2008), and inspired by the letters of Theo van Doesburg.
The elements were applied in the entire design project, which includes the corporate image as well as the signage system.
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R2 is the signature of the designers and artists Lizá Défossez Ramalho (Troyes, France) and Artur Rebelo (Porto, Portugal). R2’s practice extends beyond conventional boundaries, navigating both typical graphic design’s two-dimensional mediums and architectural landscapes. R2 has earned global acclaim for its groundbreaking projects that contributed to redefine the boundaries of the design field. Driven by an unwavering commitment to excellence, they passionately devote themselves to crafting high-quality, both conceptually and visually, designed projects. R2 Design studio was co-founded in 1995 by Defossez Ramalho & Rebelo and works with cultural institutions and commercial clients in fields ranging from culture and lifestyle to industry. R2’s multidisciplinary approach allows them to respond effectively to a wide range of projects from Dam Signage in the Douro River (with Souto de Moura-Architects) to extensive branding that includes typography on building ceilings (Casa & typography do Conto), to a complex museum graphic identity with more than 14 locations (Museu do Porto). Recent projects includes branding project for Évora 2027, European Culture Capital in 2027 as well as for Vhils Studio.
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