© Tomas Ghisellini Architetti . Published on June 21, 2012.

The communicative power of a city lies in its ability of self-representation through an iconic symbol. This is particularly evident if we think of cities such as Rome, Paris, Sydney, Rio or London (but we could think about many others) for which the collective imagination is uniquely linked to a synthetic image that the cities themselves promote in the international urban marketing. Anyway, although different for every metropolitan case, the symbols through which cities speak to the world are carriers of common purpose, content and cultural values strongly rooted in history and in the process of urban evolution. So we believe that this should happen even to Palma. The brand is formed through a graphical synthesis process from the heart of its most important urban symbol: the cathedral. In the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, in a magical melting pot for cultures, populations and histories, Palma rose on water just like a precious flower, and from anywhere you look at it, from the sky, from the waves, from the shore line or from its spectacular urban paths the city is dominated by its cathedral, the building where, more than any other, focused feelings, desires, cultural impulses and never ending aspirations of the inhabitants. From the complex shapes of its rose-window an articulated but structurally simple graphic symbol is derived. It is a clear and instantly recognizable brand whose value lies in the ability to recall a variety of mental images, all positive, and all directly related to the “virtues” of the city: a majolica (the glorious trade past of the island, originally called Majorica, which gave its name to the exquisite ceramics), the image of a multifaceted kaleidoscope (the variety of tourist and cultural international offer), a precious embroidery (the thriving local craft), a bright shining sun (the mild climate all over the year), an arabian masharabiya (Middle Eastern cultural influences, fundamental in the evolution of the city), a charming observing eye (a smart look to the future). The mark consists of a set of homogeneous color fields inspired by ancient majolicas, it is easy to remember and just as easily reproducible, even in small sizes, in color or in shades of gray or completely in black. This makes the brand very versatile in its applications, usable in addition as a texture-mask for the display of images and visual backgrounds. The font has been chosen for its high simplicity, elegance, softness and lightness; this in order to tie the name of Palma to feelings of positivity and bring out the most the whole graphic presence of the mark.

© Tomas Ghisellini Architetti . Published on June 21, 2012.

For further details and images, please visit www.tomasghisellini.it

© Tomas Ghisellini Architetti . Published on June 21, 2012.