Graphic design that works, beautifully.
Graphic design that works, beautifully.
A temporary exhibit remembering Helmut Jahn, on view at the Chicago Architecture Center. Working under extreme time constraints - 3 weeks from design to installation - this was no small feat. With the architecture world still reeling from his unexpected death, the show gives a glimpse into the life and architecture of Helmut, capturing the powerful impact he had on people around him.
Branding of the exhibit logo was inspired by Jahn’s various instantly-recognizable roof structures and facades for the many buildings he designed over the span of his career. The words “Life + Architecture” are in the architects unmistakable handwriting.
In the main exhibit space, 30-foot long oversized tensile fabric walls were anchored at an angle to the baseboards with heavy duty metal clips to mimic a boat’s sail, a subtle nod to Helmut’s love of professional sailing and racing. Within the three large fabric walls, strategically placed vitrines housed scaled models of some of his architectural projects.
Jahn’s powerful and colorful impact on the people around him is evident in the exhibit. Personal anecdotes and quotes from family, friends and colleagues all testifying to Helmut’s enduring presence in the buildings he left behind are on display.
One of Helmut’s closest friends and collaborator, Werner Sobek is also highlighted in the exhibit along with the many international ground-breaking projects they worked on together throughout their careers.