Glowing and Flowing

Neon sign for hotel
The “ibis Styles” hotel in Bern dedicated its interior design to the theme of the River Aare. When I was asked to design a neon sign for the lobby, I didn’t have to look far for a concept. The lettering path is inspired by the meanders of the river Aare. A neon sign maker then realised my design. The sign is animated, flowing in the colours of the Aare—green and blue.
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From the meanders of the Aare to a neon sign. Partner: NeonDreams.ch
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Colour palette: Aarefarbe.ch was a helpful reference in this process. Furthermore, it was also convenient that the hotel has a green logo.
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Sketches and process
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Goals | Challenges | Solutions | Learnings
The main challenge with this kind of script lettering is legibility. The hotel wanted a neon sign that would appeal to its international guests, which is why the phrase is in English. As a non-local, the reference to the meanders of the River Aare is probably not immediately recognisable. However, the sign also works as a visual highlight without this context. And as a tourist, you usually end up with a city map in your hands anyway—so the connection may still “click” at some point. The wall on which the neon sign is installed is also intended as a backdrop for selfies, which is why a hashtag was included.

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