Sopot, for years regarded as the most recognisable Polish resort, has decided to take a bold step towards modernity. After two decades of the existing logo, the city is introducing a comprehensive visual identification system that not only refreshes its image, but also organises communication with residents and institutions. This project, which has been years in the making, is the result of research, workshops and consultations, with the City of Sopot Development Strategy as its foundation.
The new sign, designed by the Podpunkt branding studio, is not just a graphic symbol. It is a typographic logotype that draws inspiration from Sopot’s history and architecture – from the neon sign above the pier, to post-war posters, to the ornaments decorating eclectic villas. The subtle curves of the Baltic waves, the wings of a seagull or the curves of the lighthouse on the pier can be seen in its form. The letter character of the logo avoids competition with the traditional city coat of arms, becoming its natural complement. This gives Sopot a tool that works well in both digital space and traditional print media.
The Mayor of Sopot, Magdalena Czarzyńska-Jachim, emphasises that the new logo reflects the identity of the city, combining the tradition of the resort with the challenges of today. The visual style is based on original lettering, sparing compositions and a subdued colour palette inspired by the Baltic Sea and local architecture. It is a visual language that builds the aura of a resort – a place for those who value tranquillity, culture and an open community. The slogan “Here time flows at your pace” completes the narrative of Sopot as a space where nature meets culture and history meets modernity.
The visual identification system includes not only the city logo, but also the signs of city units and institutions, a consistent typographic system, illustrative and photographic language, as well as a set of promotional and informational materials. All the elements form a unified family of signs, preserving the individual character of each institution, but at the same time building a common ‘Sopot umbrella’. Thanks to this, residents and visitors to the resort will easily distinguish messages coming from the city from commercial messages, confident that they are credible and consistent.
Comparison BEFORE and AFTER:
The change in Sopot’s visual identity is not only a response to changing graphic trends, but also a conscious effort to build the city’s image as a place of culture, relaxation and life surrounded by nature.
Sopot’s visual identity system was developed by the Podpunkt branding studio. The studio was previously responsible for creating visual identification systems for such public institutions as the City of Warsaw, the National Museum in Kraków, the Chancellery of the President of the Republic of Poland, the Warsaw University of Technology and the Museum of Photography in Kraków.
Authors:
Strategy & Creative Direction: Emilka Bojańczyk, Magda Dobruk / Podpunkt
Design: Emilka Bojańczyk, Oliwia Pietrzyk, Diana Makulska, Basia Synak, Ewa Najnigier-Galińska, Aga Drozd / Podpunkt
Sign lettering design & typography corrections:fatype, Anton Koovit & Yassin Baggar
source: Podpunkt & Superscript(https://www.podpunkt.pl)
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