BeAM at The University of North Carolina

BeAM at The University of North Carolina is a network of makerspaces on the UNC Chapel Hill campus where students, faculty and staff come together to design and make physical objects through courses, training workshops and open studio time. Launched in 2016 by the department of Applied Physical Sciences, we developed and designed the initiative’s branding system, website and environmental design including signage, wall graphics and instructional materials. Working with a clean slate, we were able to create a bright, modern look for BeAM that is engaging, accessible and fun.

We chose to unify BeAM’s three makerspaces, and the various branding elements, through six abstract graphic patterns that represent the five discipline areas (digital, textiles, metal, electronics and wood) as well as a combination pattern. These patterns, and the coordinating palette of brand colors, appear throughout the spaces as super graphics, printed materials and signage. The brand colors were also carried over to the website that features a Maker Gallery, a calendar of events and workshops and an introduction to BeAM’s facilities and philosophy.