Visual identity of the city

Historically, the city was famous for fish farming, hence the image of a pike in the municipal coat of arms. However, the way it was drawn in the coat of arms made it impossible to simplify and use on modern media. Therefore, a new version had to be developed for the new visual identity. The newly drawn, simplified “heraldic logo” with thicker lines can now be freely scaled and placed on various substrates.

Along with the logo, we developed a modular grid-based signage system for all municipal institutions and departments of the City Hall. The typeface used in the logotype and municipal materials is Favela, created by Polish designer Mateusz Machalski. For the key visual we complemented the blue from the municipal coat of arms with additional “Silesian” colors: black, red, and yellow.

The leitmotif of Rybnik’s visual identity system is illustrations inspired by the 1920s stained glass windows in the council chamber of the Rybnik town hall. The figures in the stained glass windows represent allegories of fields traditionally associated with Rybnik: metallurgy, industry and trade, the urban community, mining, and agriculture.

Rybnik’s new visual identity includes the graphic design of municipal documents, publications, and informational and promotional materials—both printed and electronic. This includes official stationery and document formats, templates for municipal posters, notices, flyers, and information booklets, as well as the city’s website. Consistent signage will cover municipal buildings, the vehicle fleet, including public transport vehicles, as well as gadgets, gifts, and other promotional materials.

The culmination of the work is the online Brand Manual at siw.rybnik.eu, which serves as both a presentation and a comprehensive guide for applying the visual identity system, as well as a constantly updated database of system components.

visit the manual page (PL)