2024 I Brand Identity I Brand Strategy I Typeface I Ecobanding I
Civic & Public
Saint-Denis
The first city represented by its people. Saint-Denis is not just a city, it is a collective portrait. Home to more than 150 nationalities, this former industrial suburb of Paris has become the first French city to be visually represented by its inhabitants.
We designed a deeply humanist and inclusive identity, aimed at shifting the narrative around French suburbs. The visual system reclaims civic representation, placing people at the heart of the design, through illustrated portraits, citizen-led storytelling, and a logo that celebrates unity in difference.
Ecobranding was integral at every stage of the process. We optimized the visual identity for low energy consumption, from eco-ink printing to light vector illustrations and a custom variable font “Saint-Denis”, designed for both accessibility and minimal digital weight. This typeface reflects the voices of the city: visible, inclusive, and forward-looking.
Saint-Denis is a new kind of city. One that sees design not as a surface, but as a platform for civic expression, social inclusion, and sustainable innovation.
“À Saint-Denis, les visages des habitants composent le logo de la commune”
Cap’Com
“La première commune de France représentée par ses habitants”
Le Parisien
Saint-Denis: Yann Lalande, Lucie Benoist, Nadya Hosnyamar
Creative Direction: Sylvain Boyer
Brand Management: David Jobin, Laure-Anne Pachet, Léo Anselmi, Doriane Bunel, Cassandre Sabbe, Royalties Agency
Typeface: Tina Payet, Sylvain Boyer