HafenCity Hamburg: updated, polished, and prepared for what's next
- May 11
- 2 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Back in 2017, we were asked to give the corporate design of HafenCity Hamburg a makeover. HafenCity was first created in 2001, when HafenCity was still more of a bold masterplan than a real urban district.
A lot has changed since then. HafenCity has become a vibrant part of Hamburg, with residents, workplaces, public spaces, cultural landmarks, and a strong international reputation. So, for our first redesign, we made the identity simpler, clearer, and more contemporary — but still true to the HafenCity character we all know and love.
Now, in 2026, we took the next step.
This time, it wasn't about starting over. It was about making improvements, cleaning up and expanding the existing system into a complete, practical brandbook: the new HafenCity Corporate Design Manual V2.
More than a district
HafenCity Hamburg GmbH is responsible for a lot more than just HafenCity these days. With projects like Billebogen, Grasbrook and Science City Hamburg Bahrenfeld, the brand now has to work across many different contexts, audiences and channels.
That means: politics, public communication, investors, residents, media, partners, events, presentations, websites, publications — everything.
So the question was pretty straightforward:
How can we keep the brand clear and centered on HafenCity, but still flexible enough to handle everything it needs to do today?
The rules are clearer and easier to use
The answer wasn't just more design noise. It had a better structure.
We tweaked the existing visual language and turned it into a more precise and user-friendly design system. The new 63-page manual has everything you need, like how to use the logo, what the colors and fonts are, how the layout works, how to do co-branding, what images to use, icons, motion design, making it accessible, sustainability, and there are ready-to-use German and English text modules.
Here are the main updates:
A more straightforward brand manual for everyday use
The main and secondary color sets have been updated.
Poppins is the main typeface.
Here are some practical rules for choosing fonts.
Here's some extra guidance for layouts and publications.
Here are the rules for co-branding partner logos.
Here's some guidance for images, videos, and icons.
Here are the sustainability standards for print and merchandise.
You'll be able to guess less. More consistency.
HafenCity remains the same, but it's just better.
The updated design maintains HafenCity's distinctive features, including clarity, openness, a confident urban vibe, and a strong connection to Hamburg.
But now, the system feels more flexible, practical, and future-ready. The color palette has more energy. The typography is clean and easy to read. The layouts are a breeze to work with. The whole brandbook is designed to help teams, partners, and agencies create consistent communication without overthinking every detail.
A solid corporate design has to work in practice, not just in theory. It should work in real life.
For us, this refresh is exactly that: a careful evolution of an established brand — not louder, not trendier, just smarter and more useful.
HafenCity has grown a lot.
The design system grew with it.
