Prophet creates branding for new “pro-working” space Fora

Prophet has designed the visual identity for new London-based shared workspace brand Fora.

Fora’s first space has just opened in London’s Clerkenwell, with five more set to open in the capital in the future.

Prophet created the name, visual identity, and typeface for the brand. According to Prophet creative director Gregg Finlay, “Fora is a Latin word – the multiple of forum – and the perfect reflection of what happens in these spaces.

“The idea behind the logo was that  ‘X’ marks the space where people come together to create something unique – a forum. Both modular and adaptive, the logo reflects the values of Fora’s flexible work space.”

The new branding has been applied to the interiors and signage, marketing materials and online platforms including the website and app. The rollout and application of the brand has been worked on by SomeOne.

“The closer you get, the more the brand disappears”

The intention of the brand design was to be understated, says Thomas Dabner, head designer at SomeOne. “The closer you get to the brand, the more it disappears, enabling you to get on with things uninterrupted.”

Elements of the design have rolled out across a range of touchpoints such as bikes and coat-hangers, used as wayfinding to indicate different areas in the workspace.

“A brand that does not shout”

A colour palette of navy blue, white and copper has been used, which aims to “reassure the more conservative resident” but also “give the more avant-garde a nod” with the use of copper, according to SomeOne.

The branding “does not shout”, but instead aims to represent Fora’s “calm spaces”, “professionalism” and “hotel-style hospitality”.

“Have you ever worked in a shared office space? It’s a chaotic nightmare,” says SomeOne. “There are constant interruptions and clashes of [office] culture. This is a space free from people shouting, larking about or playing table tennis. We crafted the branding to reflect this.”

The branding also aims to make Fora stand out from other shared workspaces in London, by highlighting its role as a “pro-working” rather than “co-working” space, with extra facilities such as a wellness studio and restaurant, meeting rooms, and services including printing and wi-fi.

The branding has now rolled out, and will continue to as future branches open.