Humboldt Identity Short Listed for Designpreis

Identity designed for the Wilhelm von Humboldt Stiftung.

The identity designed by Justus Oehler and his team for the Wilhelm von Humboldt Stiftung (Wilhelm von Humboldt Foundation) in Berlin has been short listed for the prestigious Designpreis, the 2008 Design Award of the Federal Republic of Germany, the official design award of the German government. The identity already received the MFG Award of the Federal Association of Print and Media in Germany.

The mission of the recently established Humboldt Foundation is to support scientific research, education and the clinical application of therapies that revolve around the study of human sexuality. Keeping the foundation’s mission in mind, the identity emanates a discreet elegance through the use of a fig leaf engraving—with all its connotations—combined with the foundation’s name set in the typeface Torino, designed by Alessandro Butti. The black, terracotta orange and olive green colors lend a holistic feel to the identity.

Wilhelm von Humboldt (1767-1835) was a German philosopher and diplomat remembered for his scientific approach to the study of nature and his understanding of human sexuality as a prime behaviorial motivator.

Foundation letterhead.