The Jewish Holocaust Centre in Melbourne was founded by Holocaust survivors over thirty years ago. The building is currently undergoing significant redevelopments to facilitate the growing interest in, and visits to, their centre. Renowned firm, Kersten Thompson Architects (KTA), are behind the building’s new design — their goal is to bring JHC in line with other world-class facilities.
JHC approached Principle Design to create signage and collateral to inform people about the renovation while also highlighting their core purpose: to encourage tolerance and understanding. They achieve this, in part, through sharing survivors’ stories, a vital component in fostering empathy and awareness for all visitors to the JHC.
We conveyed this important message and a call to action through a series of signage and bookmarks. Our work was inspired by KTA’s striking building design and its contrasting light and dark features, rich in textural diversity. The lighter greys contrasting against the stronger yellows set on the darker background, kept things respectful and calm, yet striking and to the point. A similar theme was followed with the choice of typography, clear and strong without being overpowering.
The result was a reverent and respectful design that carried the key message of JHC: “We exist to keep the voices of Holocaust Survivors alive through education and memorialisation, in order to combat antisemitism, racism and prejudice.”
