Hokkaido Ballpark F Village: A Bold Fusion of Sports, Culture, and Community
The Hokkaido Ballpark F Village is not just another sports complex; it's a unique destination that redefines a stadium concept. It's where entertainment, community involvement, and advanced design converge to create an exceptional experience. Developed by Artless Inc. in collaboration with Dentsu, this project transcends the traditional stadium model, forming a unified community and entertainment zone. With its unique features, it's set to become a landmark that appeals to residents, tourists, and investors alike.
ESCON Field Hokkaido is a modern baseball stadium located in F Village. It features Japan's first natural turf and a retractable roof. The stadium's design is influenced by local culture, with the roof inspired by traditional gabled homes in Hokkaido. This design element is incorporated into the branding, including the signage and logo design. Additionally, the roof structure serves as the basis for the wayfinding system, which consists of intuitive arrows that direct visitors throughout the complex.
The branding strategy, created by Artless Inc., extends beyond mere aesthetics - it embodies movement, positivity, and a sense of community. The italicized logotype and the incorporation of the star element, taken from the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters' team logo, symbolize energy and connection. This careful blend of brand elements ensures the visual identity appeals to local pride and modern, forward-thinking design.
The comprehensive visual identity (V.I.) developed for F Village includes the logo, brand colours, typography, and a uniform signage system. This consistent design can be seen across digital and physical platforms, creating a seamless visitor experience. Visual cues guide people from the ballpark to various facilities such as hotels, restaurants, and wellness centers. Using universal symbols and a consistent typographic system makes navigating the area easy for people from different countries and language backgrounds.
F Village is not just a sports venue; it's a vibrant community hub. The ballpark transforms into a year-round destination with a diverse range of amenities, including commercial spaces, glamping areas, children's play zones, and agricultural learning facilities. F Village is designed to attract many people and promote social interaction, learning, and wellness. It's a focal point of community life, where everyone is welcome and included.
The design and branding of F Village are not just about aesthetics; they incorporate practical elements that enhance the space. For instance, Artless Inc. has created a standardized numbering system for signage, ensuring that every visual aspect, from small details to significant architectural elements, works together cohesively. This system allows for easy scalability, ensuring that future developments integrate with the established design language. By blending sports, leisure, and culture, Hokkaido Ballpark F Village presents itself as a forward-thinking project emphasizing stadiums' evolving role in urban environments. It's not just a place to watch a game but a vibrant community hub that reflects Hokkaido's natural beauty, cultural heritage, and commitment to innovation. This thoughtful combination of design, branding, and community focus ensures that F Village will serve as a landmark destination and a model for future developments across Japan and beyond.
For more information, please visit: https://www.artless.co.jp/
*This project is one of the shortlisted project in the Sky Design Awards 2024 - Visual & Design Business Division (including exhibition): Signage Design and Photography (Interior and Architectural).