TAB: Tallinn Architecture Biennale Branding

By AKU

TAB branding on a blue tote bag with yellow graphic

TAB branding poster by AKU, features large letters on yellow with event details

TAB: Tallinn Architecture Biennale branding by AKU with overlaying posters featuring geometric cutout design

TAB 2013 book cover with yellow letter A design by AKU

Interior pages of TAB 2015 catalog by AKU with text and an image

Open spread from TAB: Tallinn Architecture Biennale publication by AKU

Open book with yellow pages, featuring grayscale architectural photos by AKU for Tallinn Architecture Biennale

TAB poster by AKU featuring a large 'A' and patterned elements

Tallinn Architecture Biennale poster by AKU with large blue letter A surrounded by Estonian text strips

Overview

Negative space with a positive message

For the 2013 edition of the Tallinn Architecture Biennale (TAB), themed 'Recycling Socialism,' The crew at AKU built an identity that side-stepped the expected Soviet motifs.

Instead of leaning into nostalgia or overt symbolism, they introduced a die-cut 'A'. A literal window through which layers of meaning could be viewed.

This design choice was both for looks and conceptual. The die-cut allowed various backgrounds to be seen through the 'A', symbolizing the layers of history and emotion associated with Estonia's socialist past.

It was a subtle nod to the theme, encouraging viewers to consider what lies beneath the surface.