Historic City of Toledo
Branding + Identity | Northeastern University | Jan – Apr 2024
In my Graphic Design Synthesis course, I spent the semester developing a brand identity for a UNESCO World Heritage Site and applying it to various forms of digital, print, and 3D media. Inspired by my study abroad program in Spain, I chose to design an identity for the Historic City of Toldeo. It consists of a logotype, mark, color palette, typography, and a fifth element. I sought to incorporate elements of Toledo's architecture, geography, and rich cultural history into the identity in order to connect it to the city in a way that felt timeless.
To view a summary of all branded assets, click here.
Brand Elements
Logotype
Mark
Color
Typography
Fifth Element
Print Media
Letterhead
Information Sheet
Envelopes
Business Card
"The New Yorker" Ads
"The New Yorker" Ads: Process
UNESCO + Toledo Book
Digital Media
App Icon
Website Landing Page
3-Dimensional Media
Tourist Bus Wrap
Site Sign
Strategic Ideas
The final way students were challenged to apply their brand identities was by proposing three strategic ideas—be them goods or services—that would enhance the experience of visitors to their chosen UNESCO Heritage Site.
The road on the opposite bank of the Tagus River offers views of the entire city of Toledo. Many tourists travel the road to take in the views, however it is difficult to do so by any mode other than a car. Toledo can implement a city bike program so tourists without cars can cycle along the road and experience the views of the city. Bike stations located at the Alcantara Bridge and the San Martin Bridge—connecting the road to the city at opposite ends—would be convenient places for docking stations for the bikes.
Since temperatures in Toledo are hot for most of the year and walking through the steep city streets can be physically demanding, Toledo can implement a resuable water bottle system. Tourists can purchase a Toledo-branded reusable water bottle and receive a free water refill at restaurants. This ensures tourists will stay hydrated while also reducing the amount of waste generated by tourists within the city. The bottle can also become a souvenir of tourists’ trip to Toledo.
Since Toledo is known as “The City of Three Cultures” with Muslim, Jewish, and Christian influences throughout its history, Toledo could provide self-guided tour pamphlets pertaining to each culture. This could be useful for tourists of each culture who are interested in discovering and connecting with their culture during their time in Toledo.