Challenged with the task of designing a historically inspired brand for a holistically inspired school in the heart of Wales, we knew we had a challenge on our hands. But that’s just the way we like it of course.
St David’s will open its doors in 2009 and will offer a fully rounded education to pupils aged 13 to 18, focusing on academics, the arts and sports with a strong emphasis on rugby.
After extensive research of the area as well as Celtic iconography we continually came back to circular symbols, some dating back 2,000 years, designed around repeating graphics which characteristically had no beginning or end. This circular design symbolised the idea of a ‘circle of life’ which translated perfectly to a holistic educational approach.
Following this we designed a stylised “D” that was rotated seven times to create our brand. Seven being a reference to the seven intelligences of human beings (logic, linguistic, aesthetic, Sporting, emotional, social and spiritual). On a holistic level, these seven shapes overlap and interact with each other much in the way that one intelligence will influence another creating one whole. At the heart of the device is the rugby ball which, although subtle, will play a major part in the development and growth of the school. The end result is that of a modern Celtic brand that is masculine while retaining a degree of elegance, ensuring mass appeal.