Branding an iconic Delhi institution
Seven Cities is a volunteer-run, not for profit organization whose aim is to welcome expatriates to Delhi while providing them an engaging way to build community and learn about the city’s vast and fascinating history. The name of the organization is a nod to the seven historical cities from which present-day Delhi evolved, and whose ruins are scattered throughout India’s capital region. Founded in 1995, Seven Cities has become an important Delhi institution. Though it is organic by nature, run by a group of dedicated expatriates who pass the baton as they come and go, the organization wanted to capture and pay tribute to its iconic status by creating a brand and campaign that could be used for collateral at recruiting events.
Involvement: Solo freelance projectThe Inspiration
How do you capture eight centuries of history, the bond of community, and the spirit of Delhi in a single lockup? The vestiges of India’s past live all around us in the structures its leaders left behind. What they all share in common is a love for geometry and symmetry. From the mathematically intricate filigrees of the early Islamic dynasties to the urban planning laid out by Sir Edwin Lutyens in the 1920s, there is a clear commonality that ties this cities distinct cultures and histories together.
The Logo
The Line
Campaign
COPY:
Throughout the seven historical cities that became present-day Delhi, centuries of rich narrative, architecture, and intrigue lie hidden in plain sight. It’s all about knowing where to look.
Each Spring and Autumn, Seven Cities provides an opportunity for India’s newcomers to learn, discover, and share Delhi’s compelling history with each other. The program organises a class of roughly 30 participants which is divided into smaller teams of three, each learning about one of ten historical eras. Every Wednesday, the next team in turn leads the full group on a tour of their topic, after which all are invited to lunch.
Seven Cities is an engaging and informal social organisation, run by volunteers, and open to anyone of any nationality and language background. Since 1995, hundreds of expatriates have joined, exploring their new city and making life-long friends along the way, and we are thrilled to invite you to join us.
