visual identity
Portugal Pavilion at Expo Zaragoza 2008
Parque EXPO 98, S.A.
This award-winning project included the design of all communication, signage, packaging and merchandise for the Portugal Pavilion.
A common visual language was developed throughout all the elements by using a mesh formed from lines of an almost abstract composition, suggesting a hydrographic basin, which referred the visitors to this international event’s theme - water and rivers.
The abstract mesh design was adapted to all communication pieces, reinventing it whenever necessary so that it was viable from a functional, aesthetic and technical point of view.
This exhibition took place in the summer months, at a time when temperatures reach 35/40º in the city of Zaragoza.
Reinventing the Fan
Taking advantage of the secular connections that unite Portugal and Spain, we were challenged to reinvent the traditional fan. The fan, first introduced into Portugal’s court — and later on in European courts — arrived in Europe in the 16th century by the Portuguese who at this time had already established connections with the East, where fans were considered ‘everyday objects’.
The Portuguese organization at Expo Zaragoza decided to create a giveaway fan for all visitors to the Pavilion, thus combining functionality with historical significance.
We created an innovative and ergonomic fan, opting for a unisex design in order to be used by all visitors.
The material, a 100% recyclable polypropylene sheet, was selected in view of the fact that it provided the new fan with both a durability and superior value to the usual easily disposable standard giveaways at these type of events.
About 100 000 fans were produced and distributed to visitors and it is with great satisfaction that, in addition to having had the opportunity to observe visitors using our fans throughout the venue, we didn’t observe any discarded fans.
See also: Portugal Pavilion at Expo Shanghai