Visual identity for Trekanten
Trekanten is a multi purpose venue which serves as a café and restaurant during the day, transforming into an event space, concert stage, and nightclub in the evening.
Trekanten is situated on the ground floor of an iconic Brutalist concrete building dating back to 1968. The structure was designed by Erling Viksjø, a architect who stands as one of Norway's foremost proponents of Nordic Brutalism.
Erling Viksjø's approach to Brutalism was notably softer than the typical perception, integrating elements from nature and art prominently within his architectural creations. Collaborating closely with renowned artists including Pablo Picasso, Hannah Ryggen, Carl Nesjar, Inger Sitter, and Ramon Isern, Viksjø imbued his buildings with a distinctive artistic flair.
In partnership with fellow artist Odd Tandberg, Viksjø pioneered various material and production techniques, such as natural concrete and conglo concrete. These methods were also applied to crafting tables and bar fronts in the venue. Furthermore, they serve as integral components of the venue's visual identity, reflecting Viksjø's artistic vision and dedication to merging art with architecture.
Trekanten – meaning "triangle" in Norwegian – references the distinctive shape of the building. Situated on sloping terrain, the building boasts unique angles and perspectives, influencing the triangle-shaped logo.
Drawing inspiration from European modernist graphic design of the same era, Trekanten's visual identity embodies rationality, functionality, and harmonyand captures the essence of this design movement.
Organic patterns, derived from photographs of natural concrete, conglo concrete, and other materials found within the building, form an integral part of the identity. These patterns not only pay homage to the venue's architectural elements but also add depth and texture, reflecting the venue's ethos of blending nature and artistry into its aesthetic.
Client: Flott Gjort and Entra
Architect: MAD Architects
Interior design: Radius Design
Fonts:
Aeonic, Baskerville Display
Completion: 2022
