Turning an Inspirational Mission into Art for Anew

Turning an Inspirational Mission into Art for Anew

We always strive to create work that’s both beautiful and meaningful, but it’s not often that we’re called upon to make something that could be considered, and treated as, art.

That was exactly the assignment, however, as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri asked us to express the mission behind their new event space in St. Louis, Anew, through environmental design.

You might remember we helped Big Brothers Big Sisters brand and introduce the new space in Grand Center last year, with an award-winning identity and website. Their goal with Anew was to create a space that would be a celebration of connections and conversations, a goal that aligns well with the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters.

The striking mural design in the streetside restaurant and test kitchen tell the story of the space, both conceptually and literally. We used the columns, which might otherwise have been awkward bumps in the wall, to bring texture to the design. The columns also provide a natural place for panels that explain the connection between Anew and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Lines, patterns and angles in the design give a sense of movement throughout the space, symbolizing the new connections and discoveries that will be made every day. A big chair and a little chair are a literal representation of the parent organization, but also a suggestion that there’s room for everyone at the table: a key component of the mission of Anew.

And we have to give a special shout out to Swift Print for the printing and installation of the environmental design (they brought our vision to life!) and photographer Cory Miller for the photos of the space and install process.

We’re proud to work with the team from Big Brothers Big Sisters, and look forward to more ways we can help Anew grow, bringing the mission to more and more people throughout the St. Louis area and beyond.