The Berlin Philharmonic has ranked among the best orchestras in the world for more than 100 years. In its long history, 2002 was a year marked by an important change: the start of Sir Simon Rattle’s tenure as music director and chief conductor. MetaDesign developed a corporate design system that strengthens the Berlin Philharmonic’s presence in public consciousness, impressively communicating the orchestra’s importance and artistic quality.

The idea is simple: the orchestra resides in a magnificent building with a unique formal language and a radiant color palette. MetaDesign took a close look at this architectural gem and reinterpreted existing elements. The three intertwined pentagons play a central role in both the logo and the new corporate design system. Covering whole surfaces, filled with glowing colors or photographs, the pentagons yield ever-changing variations on a common theme. The corporate design system derived from this central element is open, varied and yet distinctive – like the orchestra and its music.

Award: Best of Corporate Publishing