Auberge de Jeunesse — Charleroi

Following our work on Charleroi’s pictogram system, we were commissioned to integrate the new visual language into this brand new youth hostel, located right in the city centre.

In addition to creating tailor-made pictograms for the place, the material and production techniques were carefully selected. Wood was chosen for its warmth and welcoming effect, lacquered metal for its longevity, vinyl stickers for their impact and economical aspect. The dark gray is a key element of the city’s urban identity and already integrated to the pictogram guideline itself. Legibility is naturally maximised by its contrast.

Way-finding was meticulously studied and we decided to avoid using written language as many visitors are not particular fluent in French, pushing our pictogram drawing work as far as possible.