Plzeň has a new logo identical to the project of the European Capital of Culture

photo: plzen2015.net

Plzeň - Plzeň will use the same logo as the European Capital of Culture (EHMK) project starting in September, which the city will become in 2015. The organization overseeing the Plzeň 2015 program and the city hall will save millions of crowns on promotion with a unified identity. Tomáš Froyda, the director of the city company Plzeň 2015, said this today to ČTK. Due to the prestige of the event across Europe, the city is likely to continue using this slightly modified logo even after 2015. However, the decision will be made based on how the project resonates with Plzeň residents. If not, a competition for a new designation will be announced.
    "The title of European City will make Plzeň visible throughout Europe. By adopting the new logo, we proudly identify with the title and the project, from which we expect a significant improvement in the city's life," said Deputy Mayor Eva Herinková (ČSSD). Its adoption will facilitate the city's communication with the public and businesses. Plzeň previously did not have the logo incorporated in its manual for a unified visual style.
    The new logo is already on posters for the Pilsner Fest, which will take place on August 31 and September 1. "It is distinct, has a graphic form that integrates well with other logos and, importantly, does not blend in with them, which is why its utility value for us is high. We don't have space for two logos on our materials, which moreover do not communicate with each other," said Jindřiška Eliášková from Plzeňský Prazdroj, a partner of the project.
    The change of the logo, planned since last autumn, cost the city 200,000 crowns because the city hall and the Plzeň 2015 company left most documents, gifts, and other items unprinted.
    The logo consists of a stylized year 2015 and the word Plzeň. The graphic design is modern and simple, yet the designers drew inspiration from the realities of the city. Five dots symbolize the four rivers merging into one, and the colors are derived from the city coat of arms. It features white, green, black, and instead of red, pink. The logo is variable for different occasions. "There will be different color modifications and an English version," said the deputy mayor.
    Similarly, Linz, the Finnish city of Turku, and Maribor in Slovenia unified their logos two to three years before their main cultural year, like Plzeň. "It benefited them because they proudly displayed the title everywhere. And it also had a clear synergistic and economic benefit," said Froyda.
    The logo designed by Prague based designers 2011 Designers was selected by the Plzeň 2015 company a year ago. It is based on the project designation, through both the modified flower and the five rivers typical for Plzeň. It is very clean and playful, Froyda added.