Wåhlin Arkitekter
Zero Folks had the pleasure of redesigning a new eyecatching site for Wåhlin Arkitekter - a Stockholm-based architectural firm specializing in contemporary and innovative design since 1994. They offer a wide range of services, including residential, commercial, and public projects. Known for their minimalist and functional approach, their portfolio includes notable works like the Torekov House and Slipstenen elder care facility.
Goals
- A bright and "bold" website that effectively stands out among sites for architect firms
- Implement existing brand colors and philosophies
- Put past and current clients in focus to emphasize the versatility of the firm
Considerations
Websites share many similarities with architecture. They have to combine structural integrity with form as well as function. They are also bound to an address, which makes it available for the public to both admire and criticize. Designing a website that elevates an extensive portfolio without overshadowing can be difficult, especially if you're appealing to a collection of demographics that seek different forms of qualifications. Bigger organizations such as regional governments or conglomerates seek architecture firms that balance budget with functionality, whereas private citizens look for firms that balance budget with shared design values.
Additionally, portfolios change over time. This meant we had to produce a versatile design that worked with mixed photo quality. While many of the projects delivered to big corporations or though public procurement had been captured professionally, villas and smaller residential projects did not always have the same resources to their disposal. Although not uncommon for portfolios to have mixed visual documentation, it is a major consideration when making design decisions.
Strategy
After a couple of creative sessions with the client, we had enough understanding of the scope to draft a plan.
- Work closely with the founder to assess the sites of the 20 biggest architecture firms in Sweden
- Produce and receive feedback on simple low-resolution wireframes with a variety of project imagery already implemented
- Diversify existing branding assets to include options for typography, micro interactions, page transitions and hover states
Throughout the project, we experimented with many different visual languages. Everything from roman columns to gritty brutalism was being entertained. However, we already knew that the Wåhlin Arkitekter is known for their simplicity and functionality. Any visual clutter could potentially dilute that value. So, even though we knew less would be more, we had to think out of the box before we ironically returned to it. At the end of the day, we settled on one of the first designs we drafted, as it put the most foundational element of architecture in focus: the rectangle.
While buildings exists within three dimensions, everything starts with a two-dimensional concept. Squares and rectangles are about as elemental as you can be, yet its the mos utilized visual tool we have for creating spaces. Since we didn't want the site to detract from the works of the firm, only working with the simplest of shapes became the best way to edify their portfolio.
Leveraging boxes for design (especially websites) is not a novel idea. However, designers often make conscious efforts to break free from the confines of "divs" and "containers" to make their sites feel more organic. In this case, we wanted our visuals to embrace the feeling of symmetry, strength and reliability that only rectangles can offer. This turned out to be a wise choice, as our client felt it truly encapsulated their minimalistic and cubistic aesthetic.
Delivery
As we wrapped up the project, we were happy to have delivered:
- A visually bold website to showcase the portfolio of Wåhlin Arkitekter
- A library of custom lottie animations
- A thoughtfully curated set of micro interactions and animations that fit the minimalist aesthetic
