From the Middle Ages
to a city of cranes
Herlevs historie
Herlev is not the first place people think of when they think of history. But it has plenty of it – from the village pond and medieval church to the welfare architecture that helped shape modern Denmark.
The History of Herlev is a digital walking tour connecting past and present through ten locations, historical photographs, audio and film clips – accessed through the Useeum app and physical signage throughout the town.
The task was to create a visual identity rooted in Herlev without becoming nostalgic. Historical weight. Clear function. A symbol capable of standing outdoors in all kinds of weather and still doing its job.
Stars are embedded in Herlev’s concrete. The distinctive casting holes used by architect Svenn Eske Kristensen in some of the town’s most iconic welfare-era buildings form a four-pointed shape that was already part of the town. This became the starting point for the logo.
The colour palette is brown and white – carrying the weight of an archive without feeling like a museum. The typography is simple and inspired by signage.
The starting point brings together the logo, a historical photograph, a map and a QR code in one format. The signs at each stop are small and discreet – a symbol and a code. Nothing more than necessary.
Across the ten stops, visitors are guided through Herlev’s development from village to modern welfare municipality, with historical photographs, audio and film clips presented through Useeum in collaboration with Herlev Local Archives and Herlev Municipality.
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Upland Studio ApS
hello@uplandstudio.dk
+45 22 11 28 59