From bridges and biofuels to robots and radios, University of Toronto engineers have been changing what’s possible for more than 150 years. Our engineers ask tough questions, take things apart, and find better ways of doing things. 2023 marked the 150th anniversary of the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering. To celebrate this historic milestone, Engineering launched a yearlong marketing and communications campaign to increase awareness of its impact over the past century and its vision for the future. The campaign also kicked off Engineering’s new fundraising efforts as part of the university’s overarching fundraising campaign. To cultivate a spirit of celebration among faculty, staff, students, and alumni, an internal team developed an inspiring collection of outdoor signage, which we strategically placed in high-traffic areas on campus; we also leveraged these locations throughout the year for events and celebrations. With bold headlines, captivating imagery, and a custom logo, the signage celebrates 150 years of U of T Engineering and highlights the bold, compassionate thinkers who continue to spark some of the world’s biggest engineering breakthroughs. The signage was installed in April 2023, in time to kick off the yearlong celebration, and will remain installed until April 2024.
From the Judges
The branding was cohesive, setting a consistent tone across a large area. It effectively differentiated between street-level and distant signage with a tight color palette and complementary photos. Mixed media, including window panels, vinyl, and stairway decals, enhanced the existing architecture. Overall, it was an impressive campaign, with effective typography, vibrant imagery, and thoughtful placement that honored the past while looking to the future.
