Dezeen Magazine

Daniel Bjorkman creates logo generator for Akademin Valand art school

Interaction designer Daniel Bjorkman has created a conceptual adaptive logo and visual identity for Swedish art school Akademin Valand (+ slideshow).

Akademin Valand identity by Daniel Bjorkman

The logo spells out Valand in stacked letterforms, which form part of a rectangular grid of circle, triangle and square shapes in various colours.

Akademin Varland identity by Daniel Bjorkman

The colours of the logo can be modified using an online tool, which would allow teachers and students at the university to upload a portrait or picture of their choosing.

Akademin Varland identity by Daniel Bjorkman

The logo generator creates a new graphic symbol using the underlying structure of the logo, but with colours from the uploaded image. Individuals can then download their personal symbol for use on printed or digital materials.

"I think an art school should be about a time for experimentation, and everyone who attends will have such a different expression," Bjorkman told Dezeen. "It would be nice if that could shine through in how the school presents itself."

Akademin Valand  generative identity by Daniel Bjorkman

The multiple possible outcomes of the logo are reflective of the Gothenburg school itself, which teaches a wide range of disciplines including art, photography and film.

Akademin Varland identity by Daniel Bjorkman

"I settled on simple geometric shapes that correspond to each letter on every row, but in a simpler way, and put them in a pattern that could be used just by itself or combined together to create larger patterns," Bjorkman said. "Then it was a matter of taking that vision and putting it into code and making it generative."

New York design agency Sagmeister & Walsh has created a similarly adaptive identity for cloud software management brand Fugue – although in this instance the logo changed according to touch and sound input.

Akademin Varland identity by Daniel Bjorkman

"Design will definitely be more adaptable and governed by code in the future at least," Bjorkman added. "As we develop cheaper screen and digital paper designers will have to understand what can be done and utilise the possibilities and restraints of these new mediums. I think a lot of the interesting things that can be done will be by programmatic/generative design."