For this course, we were tasked with selecting a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and designing a brand from the ground up. Influnced by my interest in environmental conservation, I chose the New Zealand Sub Antarctic Islands. These islands consist of five remote island groups that are oases of high productivity and biodiversity near the Antarctic Circle.
With assets ranging from stationery to a site vehicle, and the Islands encompassing over 295 miles, creating an all-encompassing brand proved to be a challenge. Taking cues from the aesthetics and biodiversity of the islands, I started with the four megaherbs and six albatross species that are unique to the islands.
Developing the primary mark and logotype based on albatross species and its location just above the Antarctic Convergence.
Additionally, secondary marks nod to the scientific and conservation efforts in effect throughout the area.
While many World Heritage Sites emphasize tourism and a unique experience, the delicate balance of The Sub Antarctic Islands requires prioritizing conservation first. The brand visually supports this concept, with motifs of the unique wildlife and data visualizations.
On-site elements are based on the geographical limitations of the location. Metal signs and a small raft were selected based on their minimal environmental impact.
Finally, a booklet outlines information about the UNESCO World Heritage Program on the left, and information about the New Zealand Sub Antarctic Islands on the right. Click the image to view the entire booklet.
Conservation-Based Tourism
Currently, the Sub-Antarctic Islands are highly protected, and require tourists to get a permit to visit the islands. In addition to this permit requirement, I propose that tourist efforts should be entirely focused on conservation and scientific efforts. If you visit the New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands, you will be tasked with aiding in any research or conservation efforts that are currently being led by scientists, in order to help maintain the environmental integrity of the islands.
Electric Boats
Large cruise ships currently transport tourists to the Sub-Antarctic islands, and rest within the bay areas of the islands, disturbing the rare aquatic wildlife that calls these islands home. My proposal is to establish a protective range around the islands, where these large boats cannot enter. Large cruise ships will go from main island New Zealand toward the Sub-Antarctic islands. Once just out of the protected range, tourists can switch to electric boats and travel toward the island from there. Electric boats don’t pollute the water, are much quieter than their gasoline-run counterparts, and are much lighter weight, allowing them to navigate through much shallower spaces.
Experiential Center
To increase awareness, raise money, and allow people to explore the wonderful islands, without having to go there, I suggest an experiential learning center, focused on the environment of the unique islands. Guests will be able to learn about the islands history, and current scientific goals, as well as see some of the cool spaces. I would imagine it acts as an aquarium, with some of the common species from the area held in captivity, with a research and restoration center to help any animals that are especially endangered, before releasing them back into the wild.
