(01) Project Definition
Sinfonia Varsovia is a cultural institution of the City of Warsaw, with a symphony orchestra at its heart. We developed the visual identity concept as part of a closed, two-stage competition. Following pre-selection, dobosz.studio was one of five finalists. The competition concluded without selecting a winner.
(02) Challenge
The new identity was intended to prepare Sinfonia Varsovia for its new venue, organise its extensive programme and provide a clear information hierarchy without creating separate logos for projects and events – from concerts and festivals to education and off-site activities.
(03) Tactical Analysis
The architecture of the new venue by Atelier Thomas Pucher became the foundation of the concept. A monumental white frame floats above the garden and historic buildings, while the concert hall combines rectangular shoebox geometry with flowing bands of seating. Two elements were key to the identity: the threshold beneath the suspended frame and the contrast between geometric order and fluid form.
(04) Big Idea
One logo was intended to cover the institution, orchestra and venue, while projects and events are differentiated without separate marks. We called the creative idea Floating Horizon. The threshold beneath the suspended frame became a horizon line that crops the upper parts of the letters in the logotype and structures the layouts: it separates image from information, defines the logo’s position and adapts to the format and content.
(05) Visual Mechanism
The fixed horizon holds the layout together, while typography, colour and textures differentiate the programme. GT Ultra translates the contrast between geometry and fluidity into the identity; CoFo Sans and CoFo Mono organise text, numbers and data. Three colour registers distinguish event categories, Chladni figures develop into geometric textures, and custom iconography supports spatial information.
(06) Scope of the Concept
During the competition stage, we developed the concept across repertoire materials, posters, tickets, publications, merchandise and materials for concerts, workshops and digital channels. We also established the visual direction for the website and a wayfinding concept covering directional signage, floor levels and functions. The concept encompassed both programme communication and orientation within the new venue.
