The Berlin Science Week is one of the world’s largest science events, transforming the German capital into a space for research, learning, exploration and celebration for ten days each year.
Since 2019, Archimedes has been creative partner of the Science Week. The event was initiated by the non-profit Falling Walls Foundation.
One highlight of our collaboration is the wayfinding system, which we have been designing and implementing annually for the festival since 2022. Through close collaboration with the Science Week team, we were able to develop a signage concept that makes science tangible, provides orientation, and strengthens the Berlin Science Week as a brand.
Why do we even need signage?
Signage and wayfinding systems are essential to navigate spaces. Especially in urban areas, transit locations, and museums, such systems are indispensable and enrich these environments with relevant information. Additionally, signage concepts can enhance the sense of connection to a place and lower access barriers.
People use various strategies to find their way. Analyzing movement patterns or obstacles plays a major role in implementation, as do questions like: What language do we speak? Do we keep it visually minimal? Which areas need to be included?
For Berlin Science Week, we developed a system for the two festival venues, the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin and Holzmarkt, that is clear, innovative, and easy to understand and accessible for all.
Lollipops as Wayfinders
The wayfinding system for Berlin Science Week runs like a red thread through the entire festival area, both indoors and outdoors. Round signs resembling lollipops guide visitors through the event.
The bright red color not only fits the event’s signature look but also stands out amid the crowd of exhibits and attendees without disrupting the atmosphere. The lollipops are also sustainable: only the Re-board panel needs to be replaced, while the steel bases can be reused indefinitely.
For the Art & Science program at Holzmarkt, we also designed additional wayfinding elements, interactive stations, and the stage design alongside the red lollipops. The flexible, stackable designs gave this colorful, wild, and vibrant location a truly unique branding and became real selfie hotspots!
The signage concept always carries the Berlin Science Week signature. At the same time, it is tailored specifically to each venue. This not only does justice to the special nature of the two locations, but also reflects the diversity of audiences and topics.
We’re already looking forward to this year’s festival week in November and to continuing our collaboration with this extraordinary initiative!
More information about Berlin Science Week here.
