StudioDBD is responsible for the brand identity of Stockroom, a new cultural centre set to revitalise the Merseyway Shopping Centre in Stockport in the Greater Manchester Area. Stockroom will house a library, a children’s learning area, a café bar and more, with the aim of creating an inclusive space for all residents. David Sedgwick, director of StudioDBD – also based in Manchester – has created a new visual identity that revolves around a brutalist typeface, reflecting the architectural style of the shopping centre.
The name Stockroom itself is a play on words with ‘Stock’ referring to the place – Stockport – and ‘Room’ suggesting a space for diverse activities and interactions. The two ‘O’s in Stockroom are not just letters; but here in the brand identity they represent openness and inclusiveness. They function as a canvas to showcase various content and visuals, aligning with the centre’s mission to be shaped by the activities of the community and the people who frequent it.
StudioDBD also decided to involve local residents in the design process. Through a workshop in the Merseyway shopping centre, it invited the public to draw their visions for Stockroom. These spontaneous sketches, ranging from books to simple doodles, were welcomed as part of the brand’s visual identity. Instead of refining them into polished illustrations, the team decided to preserve the authentic expressions of the community. These original drawings were scanned and traced, retaining their charm and sincerity.
In essence, Stockroom’s identity captures a mix of nostalgia and modernity, which, with its brutalist font combined with the illustrations suggested by the community, together create an inclusive and effective identity, paving the way for a vibrant cultural centre in the heart of Stockport.
