As part of our 21 from 21 series, we are revisiting the wayfinding signage and information desk design created by Air Design for the Forum Gdańsk development in 2018, owned by Multi. This modern urban space, blending medieval canals with contemporary design, earned recognition, including a silver award at Europe’s 2020 Transform Awards for its innovative wayfinding and signage design.
Forum Gdańsk is a dynamic mixed-use development situated in the heart of Gdańsk. Featuring over 200 shops, including Helios and H&M, a diverse gastronomic offering, modern entertainment options, office spaces, and the largest parking facility in the city, Forum Gdańsk quickly became a key destination in the city. The 2-hectare green area is home to 80 different species of plants, creating a vibrant ecosystem within the city centre.
Our wayfinding concept was inspired by the geometric shapes and patterns found in the mall branding and interiors. We focused on using negative space to guide visitors seamlessly through the space, creating an intuitive and visually appealing experience. The information desk design complements this approach, following the same aesthetic while ensuring it remains functional for the customer services team and accessible for visitors.
Forum Gdańsk quickly became a must-visit destination, drawing over one million visitors within its first three weeks. The development has since received multiple prestigious awards, including Shopping Centre of the Year and Innovation of the Year at the EuropaProperty CEE Retail Awards 2019, as well as the Eastern European Property Design Award in the shopping centres category. Additionally, it won a gold award in the ‘New Shopping Centre’ category and a silver award for its opening campaign at the 10th annual Polish Council of Shopping Centres PRCH Retail Awards.
With its success, Forum Gdańsk continues to set a high standard for modern urban developments, combining innovation, functionality, and design excellence.