Opening in 1985, the Thompson Center transformed Chicago’s skyline with its open-concept design, symbolizing the state government’s commitment to transparency
Today, we have created a brand that reintroduces the Thompson Center to Chicago and the world as a workplace that empowers the community to come together and inspires bold ideas
Courtesy of Jahn
Photograph by Nick Ulivieri
Courtesy of Jahn
Photograph by Nick Ulivieri
Boundless opportunities for Chicago
The Thompson Center defies Chicago’s iconic grid with an organic curve that sweeps through a cityscape dominated by straight lines and right angles. In partnership with A+I we leveraged the unique shape to reposition the Thompson Center as the destination that will champion Chicago’s future, where work, culture and community come together to get ‘ahead of the curve’.
We complemented the positioning by using the building’s circular skylight as the foundation of our logomark. The logomark has become a shorthand for the building itself, offering a unique visual identity that stands apart in a city of towers and strict lines.
A vibrant future in motion
The playful color palette mirrors the building’s tech-forward spirit and the atrium’s natural light, projecting a vibrant, optimistic vision that aligns with the building’s role as a forward-thinking space.
The gradient design amplifies this futurism, with dynamic movement and progress. As these gradients shift, they form compositions that reveal new content in shapes inspired by the building’s architecture, fostering connection as they merge to uncover fresh ideas.
A space for an authentic Chicago
The art direction of the photography, captured by Mark Wickens, empowers and encourages with a sincere, caring tone to balance the space’s playfulness with sophistication. Lens flare adds warmth to the images to evoke the authentic spirit of Chicago and celebrate the local community, reflecting both the past and future of the Thompson Center.
“DNCO are the preeminent partners in building brands for places, it was such a pleasure to have their strategic minds and spirited designers at the table. The visual identity and expressions they’ve produced give Chicago a big vision for its future and how the Thompson Center can be at centerstage for it.”
Joe Vandenorth
Head of Marketing, Real Estate & Workplace Services
Google
