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).

Chiyaba – A Harmonious Blend of Tradition and Modernity

Chiyaba is a brand that embodies the essence of Nepalese tea culture. The name beautifully conveys its mission, as "Chiyba" means "tea" in Nepali, and "Ba" signifies a place or space. This symbolizes the creation of a haven where tea culture can thrive and evolve.

The story behind Chiyaba is just as impressive as the tea it offers. In 2017, the owner and chef of ADI, a renowned restaurant in Nakameguro, Tokyo, embarked on a journey to the Banchar region of eastern Nepal. There, amidst the stunning highlands of the Himalayas, he encountered small-scale tea farmers producing exceptionally high-quality tea. Captivated by their craft, he was inspired to bring this exceptional tea to Japan, leading to the birth of the Chiyaba brand.

In preparation for a major rebranding in December 2023, artless Inc. was responsible for revamping the brand's visual identity. This rebranding initiative went beyond a mere visual update; it encompassed a complete transformation involving a new logo, graphics, signage, and packaging. Each aspect was carefully crafted to respect Chiyaba's longstanding traditions while seamlessly incorporating modern design elements.

Artless Inc.'s design philosophy extended beyond branding to shape the atmosphere of the Chiyaba tea house. Situated discreetly under the Nakameguro train tracks, the tea house exudes a Zen-inspired ambiance with its dark tones and tasteful, rustic interior. The serene environment encompasses a concealed lounge reminiscent of a luxurious boutique hotel lobby, offering a peaceful retreat for guests to unwind and savour a cup of tea.

Artless Inc.'s work on Chiyaba is a testament to its ability to create harmonious spaces where tradition and modernity coexist. Through their design, the simple act of drinking tea is elevated into a cultural experience that bridges East and West, old and new. Chiyaba is not just a brand but a celebration of the timeless tea ritual reimagined for a contemporary audience.

For more information, please visit: https://www.artless.co.jp

*This project is one of the shortlisted project in the Sky Design Awards 2024 - Branding