Freedom Square

There is an area in Cincinnati that hosts a variety of activities and events for the citizens of the Queen City. This area is commonly referred to as The Banks. Technically speaking, The Banks is the entire Riverfront district. The area that most people gather is located on Freedom Way between Walnut and Main Street. How would someone know the difference when there is next to no branding or signage to guide them? Unfortunately, when you arrive there is a disconnect. Our project’s goal was to make this area feel like a place of gathering. We were faced with a wide range of difficulties from pedestrian safety to the sheer amount of information we needed to organize.

Alongside my project team members: Caroline Atkinson, Tuscan Ducro and Darby Thonnings, we worked to improve signage and wayfinding, placemaking, and the overall flow of this area to make it a safe and successful gathering place.

To view the full Freedom Square Brand Guidelines, click here

To view the complete Freedom Square Signage System Process Book, click here

Collaborative Project | July 2019

The Brand

Exploring the identity for Freedom Square, we knew we wanted the square shape to play an important role. The typeface for the logo is Open Sans, as that is what is used for the rest of the signage system. The logo is meant to be a simple marker of the area, and not too complex that it draws attention away from the atmosphere that Freedom Square has. Its purpose is to be the cherry on top of what Freedom Square represents.

Through the choices behind photography style, materials, and artwork we were able to create the atmosphere for Freedom Square that we were aiming for.