Kode is one of the Nordic countries’ largest museums for arts, crafts, design, and music. The museum is made up by a combination of museums and composer`s homes, covering a range of different art styles, spanning from the classical and grandiose, to the progressive and intimate. Although these art forms are different from each other, they have some common components; curation, depth, and composition.
Kode is a complex museum with 7 different locations that each have their own name and identity. The many locations and composer`s homes have long caused confusion for their audience, which were often unaware of all the different parts of the museum. When creating a new identity for KODE it was key that it encompassed and brought together the different locations and arts. The design system needed to be dynamic, static, discrete, and recognizable at the same time. The identity had to be distinct, but not overshadow or clash with all the expressions already found in the museum.
With this background TRY developed a design system built on a 4-line sheet music. Elements, text, and images were adjusted according to the notes on a sheet, to appear as they are dancing across a surface. With the help of a discreet font and a clear design approach, the system holds a range that can be adjusted down to the minimum, or turned up to the maximum. The color palette takes inspiration from the various buildings in the museum and play on the drama of contrast, while at the same time being perceived as neutral and giving space to the exhibitions.
