Brand Steers towards Study

Bath design group SteersMcGillan is developing the branding of a new art and design centre in Poole, Dorset, which opens in May.

Designed by former Financial Times Architect of the Year Richard Horden, The Study Gallery aims to bring people from all nations together to share and study art and design.

The two-building square site is split on the diagonal. A front triangular section features a multipurpose atrium and the rear triangular, three-floor block houses a studio and small gallery. These are intended for 2-D exhibitions, teaching and seminars on the first and second floors. The top level provides office space and communications, technology and visual archive suites. Each floor also provides spectacular views of Poole Harbour.

SteersMcGillan’s project includes developing interior and exterior signage, vehicle livery, Internet site, shop merchandise, stationery, templates and promotional material.

‘The identity marries the building design and philosophy of the centre,’ says Steers McGillan director Chloë Steers. ‘Being an ever- changing gallery the identity emphasises contents, events, resources and facilities, not the structure itself – an “anti-logo” in effect.

‘The square format, fonts and grid all reflect the building’s shape, while the colours reflect the mood of the building – white for the walls and open space, grey for the construction and smaller spaces, and blue for the far-reaching views of the sky and sea,’ adds Steers.

Client: The Study Gallery

Design: SteersMcGillan

Designers: Richard McGillan, Chloë Steers