THE CHALLENGE

Espan Lava, owned and operated by the City of Helsinki, enjoys a degree of operational independence but must adhere to the city’s overarching branding guidelines. However, its event marketing was visually inconsistent and thematically scattered, diluting its impact. The task was to develop a cohesive concept that packed a stronger punch while staying visually aligned with the Helsinki city brand.

THE APPROACH

Helsinki is a city of striking contrasts. Its winters are long and quiet, evoking a sense of calm reserve, but when summer arrives, the city transforms—vibrant, passionate, and alive with energy. This duality inspired the communication concept for Espan Lava, an iconic concert venue in the heart of Helsinki.

Working within the city’s branding guidelines presented both challenges and opportunities. The design had to incorporate the proprietary Helsinki Grotesque typeface and adhere to the city's established color palette. Another key inspiration was the venue itself—a distinctive white cube set within the park, offering a minimalist yet striking architectural presence.

After exploring several visual directions, the identity began to take shape, grounded in bold typography and a streamlined color palette. The logo, directly inspired by the shape of the Espan Lava stage, became the foundation of the design. From there, the visual identity evolved, ensuring consistency across applications while capturing the venue’s dynamic spirit.

THE OUTCOME

The new identity centers on the theme “Cold City, Hot Heart”, a phrase that encapsulates the essence of Helsinki and the venue's role at its core. A striking color palette was developed, juxtaposing deep blue—symbolizing the crisp chill of winter—with vibrant orange—representing the fiery passion of summer. This contrast creates a bold, dynamic brand presence that stands out across all mediums.

The logo is designed for versatility, functioning clearly at any scale. It also doubles as a framing device, allowing other content to shine while maintaining consistency and recognition.

Overall, the refreshed visual identity provides Espan Lava with a cohesive, impactful platform for event marketing and brand building. It not only operates seamlessly within Helsinki’s city branding guidelines but also enhances and enriches them.