They required a rebrand to match; a celebration of the man himself; his story and character embedded into the brand.
Rebranding Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University was the next step in a game-changing revolution to transform the brand into a leading African university. The new brand identity reflects the gravitas and values associated with the Nelson Mandela name.
Looking at the new logo, the meaning is manifold. The circle replacing the 'O' points to the world, while the triangle replacing the 'A' denotes growth, strength, and innovation.
The well-known Mandela quote “education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” has been referenced many times. The quote has Madiba Magic and has a way to inspire greatness on an individual and corporate level.
With all the above in mind, we put forward the following slogan: Change the World. The slogan is powerful and multidimensional, as it works on both an individual and institutional level. It implies that anyone can change the world, whether that change is big or small.
Rebranding Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University was the next step in a game-changing revolution to transform the brand into a leading African university. The new brand identity reflects the gravitas and values associated with the Nelson Mandela name.
Looking at the new logo, the meaning is manifold. The circle replacing the 'O' points to the world, while the triangle replacing the 'A' denotes growth, strength, and innovation.
The well-known Mandela quote “education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” has been referenced many times. The quote has Madiba Magic and has a way to inspire greatness on an individual and corporate level.
With all the above in mind, we put forward the following slogan: Change the World. The slogan is powerful and multidimensional, as it works on both an individual and institutional level. It implies that anyone can change the world, whether that change is big or small.
VUYO BONGELA, DEPUTY DIRECTOR BRANDING & ADVERTISING
Considering both practicality and aesthetics, we created a custom mix of marketing collateral and branded material. Assets could be used independently or in tandem to produce a new combined brand visual.
The new Nelson Mandela University brand was captured and formalised in a 160-page brand manual that highlights the exact usage specifications of the brand. Together with a combination of physical and digital assets, the brand manual now serves to maintain brand consistency throughout.
Drawing inspiration from the new Nelson Mandela University brand, we created a customised collection of branded graduation attire. The brand colours and elements (circle and triangle) were re-envisioned to create an eclectic set of designs that are a bold expression of diversity and life – just like Nelson Mandela.
Different configurations of lines, circles and triangular shapes were used to reference the diversity that Nelson Mandela University celebrates.
The Nelson Mandela University brand extends across all sports kits in the form of dynamic pattern that is made up of the brand assets (circle and triangle). The pattern is intricate and detailed when up close, yet bold and angular from afar.
The University Shop, which has also been branded inside and out, offers students other university apparel such as T-shirts, hoodies and caps.
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The Ocean Sciences Campus was branded as an extension of the Nelson Mandela University corporate identity. The colour palette, signage and interiors of the campus buildings were of utmost importance to communicate the connection to the ocean and aquatic life.
Dark blue walls in the main corridor create a submerged feeling as you walk though the space, and are clad with visually stimulating wall graphics to both educate and entertain.
This logo gives shape to Nelson Mandela’s famous quote: “It always seems impossible, until it is done”. The impossible is made possible by creating a circle out of triangles. The centre of the logo reveals a portal where new relationships and collaborations can be formed to unlock new potential.
The logo’s proportions are designed in accordance with the Golden Ratio, which is also used to produce long-term investment growth.
