Fourmation

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About

Our approach is simple: we bring great ideas to life, both beautifully and effectively.

From creating brand platforms to retail experiences, our multi-disciplinary approach ensures that every project is an effective, creative solution, regardless of the scale or budget.

Whether you are looking for an identity, or a more complex brand strategy, we offer all of the experience and reassurance of a large agency, with the care and attention of a small creative studio.

News

O2 Workshop on trend

19th January 2012

We have featured in GDRs latest trend analysis and forecasting publication. Here is what they had to say about the O2 Workshop…

“To emphasise its slogan of connecting people, O2 has introduced a free office space in-store for short-term use. This follows research that showed one in ten small businesses are choosing to work from home due to the recession. The mobile service provider has partnered with entrepreneurial organisations, including Start-Up Britain and Enterprise Nation, to host weekly classes on topics such as marketing on a budget and essential social media tools. The hub is at basement level and can be used by up to 75 workers, with O2 Gurus on hand to offer support and advice on phones, laptops and mobile broadband. The facility provides workstations and wireless printers; a lecture-style seminar room for up to 30 people; four semi-private meeting rooms with LCD presentation screens; and a private conference room.

There is also complimentary wi-fi and a customer lounge with tablet devices and self-serve hot and cold refreshments. People can reserve a space or room in advance, or drop in, and can work there for up to two-and-a-half hours at a time. It costs £10 ($16) a class or £100 ($160) for a 12-week course. O2 plans to open more workshops across the UK.”
Cable Monkey - Marque refresh

11th January 2012

We have just completed updating the marque for Cable Monkey. Fourmation created the original identity back in 2006, and continue to work on all Cable Monkeys marketing campaigns.
A new way of working - O2 Workshop

21st September 2011

After a year in development we have finally realised our Workshop concept on Tottenham Court Road. Working with O2 we have designed a 3,500sq ft space for young and dynamic businesses to meet, work and colaborate. Based on the co-working model that users benefit from working independently, but sharing values and interests, was a perfect fit with the O2 brand and strapline “We’re better connected”.

Open for business on Wednesday 21st September we look forward to refining and developing the concept into other sites across the UK.

See our original thought piece –

www.fourmation.net/#thoughts-work-shops
Branding the Great Eastern Market at Westfield, Stratford City

14th September 2011

With the new Westfield Shopping Centre at Stratford City finally open. We have had a chance to see how our branding for the Great Eastern Market stacks up. See more in our project section.

www.fourmation.net/#projects-westfield-stratford
Something new from…

19th May 2011

We are currently working hard on a new, self initiated concept, with one of the worlds leading telecommunications companies. The project is due to hit the high street this summer… we’ll tell you more then.
We’ve moved from West to East.

05th May 2011

After 5 years in Fulham we have settled in at our new studio on Commercial Street, a stones throw from the historic Spitalfields Market and the City of London. Closer to our network of like minded agencies, we look forward to collaborating on more exciting projects in the future. We are so pleased with the move, that we thought we would draw you a picture of the view from our roof terrace.
Get out the popcorn

03rd May 2011

We have just started working with Digital Cinema Media (DCM), who are responsible for over 80% of cinema advertising in the UK. We will be working with them on all printed communications and promotional events.

DCM’s Acting Head of Marketing said today; “We were impressed with Fourmation’s creativity during the pitch process and look forward to working with them.” Well we are very much looking forward to working with them too!
City of London - Visit the City

14th March 2011

We have recently completed a small, but important piece of communication for the City of London Corporation. Visit the City is an online resource which highlights key achievements reached by the City over the past four years. The document also outlines the strategy in place for the City’s future.
Branding a Champion

08th March 2011

We have recently been working with eight times UK and European Touring Car Champion, Fabrizio Giovanardi. We are concentrating on securing a sponsorship deal, and creating all the team branding and digital communications. Recent changes in vehicle manufacturer support to the BTCC have seen a new window of opportunity for lifestyle brands to enter the sport as headline team sponsors. We are looking forward to a successful 2011 British Touring Car season. Watch this space..
Interiors Show 2011

24th January 2011

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UPDATE: Over 200 new clicks onto our site over the four days. We think thats quite a success.

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We have been busy putting together our offering for this years Interiors Show, that runs from the 23rd – 26th January, at the Birmingham NEC. Answering to the brief ‘Promoting on-line sales via the shop window’ we have created a virtual website, on the high street, that aims to drive traffic both in store and online. The premise of the design being consistency and familiarity through both offers.

We will be monitoring our website hits between the 23rd and 26th to see if its a success. We wait with bated breath…
D&BC

17th January 2011

The Design & Build Collective [D&BC], are a group of experienced agencies made up of interior and graphic designers, online developers, project managers, bespoke craftsmen and shopfitters.

Being a collaborative partnership D&BC are able to offer a complete “turn key” service to large developers with multi-channel requirements.

We are pleased to be working with D&BC and look forward to getting involved in some exciting projects.

www.dandbc.com
Life’s Good

23rd November 2010

We have just been down to Westfield London, to see the Life’s Good Lounge we designed for LG. Showcasing the latest Passive and Active 3D tv’s which I have to say (being a 3D sceptic) are very good. Its travelling around so watch out for it!

www.fourmation.net/#projects-lg
Tree-mendous

17th November 2010

We have just finished putting together the identity for Suffolk based tree and conservation experts, Arborvation.
A sly tweak

12th November 2010

We have just updated the Fibrefox identity, which we created a couple of years ago, ahead of the new website overhaul due to launch early next year.

Thoughts

Work-Shop(s)

Remote Work Spaces.

With most major coffee shop brands offering free Wi-Fi, doesn’t it make you wonder what is driving the sales and footfall. Along with the popularity of home working and the efficiency of Skype, people more than ever are using Wi-Fi hotspots all over the world. Coffee shops and public places were the first to offer the facility, with Pubs close behind, as they very quickly saw the opportunity to drive sales, and get people in through the door. There are currently over 300 Wi-Fi spots around London, so what differentiates one from another. A stronger signal? a recognized brand name? cheapest tariff? For most people working remotely it is the environment.

Sitting in a comfortable chair working on your laptop with a great cup of coffee. Sounds great although which has the most value? Most people would probably say that the environment is the most important (for working) followed by the internet connection, and then the coffee. If this is the case, then wouldn’t it suggest that, creating a space that people can use to work is the driver, therefore posing the question of high street remote work/study spaces, or Work- Shops. With every retail high street in the UK suffering from stores closing down, there are empty sites everywhere available to accommodate Work-Shops.

Although this is not a new concept, they are usually confined to Shared office spaces in City centres and not as accessible as the high street for most small businesses. With office space usually tying people to lease periods, it would make a refreshing change to pay for a few hours, or a day for a work space and get a great cup of coffee for free. Essentially bringing the business lounge from any major airline onto the high street.

This would also be a great tool in which to promote and support the multitude of small businesses/industries that are very much the backbone of the British economy, or more commercially, could differentiate communication companies and drive the next generation of mobile phone stores.
A Thinking Space

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“Give away everything you know, and more will come back to you” – Paul Arden
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Wise words Mr Arden. Which has led us to create this space. A space for us to share, with you, the things that have been bubbling away in our heads. Some thoughts maybe should remain just that, while others may turn into interesting projects, who knows. None the less we feel its good to share.
Online and on the high street

A complete brand experience

We are constantly extolling the benefits of having a complete brand consistency. Whether it is a small start up or a larger international business, consistency is by far the most important factor in maintaining and growing a great brand. This means ensuring that your image is immediately recognisable wherever it is, and on whichever medium it’s found.

This is equally important when it comes to experiencing the brand, either in store or online. We were recently asked to create a shop window display to promote online sales, which on the face of it seemed a slight contradiction, being that high street retail, and eCommerce are usually not the greatest of allies. However, working together in a consistent way these two customer channels can reinforce the offer and drive sales in a way that perhaps they wouldn’t individually. Our window worked on the premise that if the appearance is consistent and familiar through both offers, then the window became an extension of the online offer and vice-versa.

Testing this theory we monitored our web stats over the four day period it was live, and we logged an impressive 212 new visitors, which is pretty good considering that it was a fictitious store, and we are not retailers.

There’s no debating the fact that an online presence is essential in today’s market, but we shouldn’t dismiss the experience, choice, personalisation, and instant gratification we get from shopping on the high street.

There should be a clear and conspicuous link between both the physical and virtual experience of a brand, so that a customers’ journey follows a clear path, and is never disjointed. Maintaining this consistency is vital in order to maximise all of the sales channels available within any business.

Work

O2 Workshop

A new way of working

Starting life as an opinion piece in our thoughts section, our Workshop concept has now made it onto the high street. Based on the premise that more and more small businesses are on the move (or working from home), we wanted to create something on the High Street, that filled the gap between Starbucks and Regis serviced office space.

Approaching O2 in early 2010, we presented to the UK Retail and Business team who we had identified as a perfect fit for the concept. Seeing the potential in the idea we then developed this alongside O2, into a place where young and dynamic businesses can meet, work and collaborate. Situated on the High street the Workshop is also more convenient than a serviced office and can be used, as and when it is needed.

Customers can check in at a concierge desk, where they are allocated a choice of workspace that best suits their needs. The 3,500 sq ft space can accommodate up to 75 people including open work stations for up to 10, with access to free wifi and wireless printers. There is also a customer lounge with tablet devices for browsing, and free hot and cold refreshments. In addition to this, there are four semi-private meeting rooms each able to hold up to five people with access to LCD screens for presentations. A seminar room in lecture format is also available, as well as a private conference room with interactive white board facilities, along with an O2 Guru for support and advice.

The Workshop will also play host to weekly events designed to support and encourage local entrepreneurs and small businesses, working in partnership with organisations such as Start-Up Britain and Enterprise Nation.

This is the first store we have worked on with O2, and is the largest in their estate.

See our original thought piece –

www.fourmation.net/#thoughts-work-shops
Concrete

Day café / night bar

Concrete is situated next to the Hayward Gallery on London’s Southbank, and is surrounded by brutalist architecture which very much informs the design of this Day Cafe / Night Bar.

The interior exposes the original concrete structure and services, which enable the space to become flexible enough to cater for gallery visitors by day whilst functioning as a bar by night, with guest DJ sets at the weekends.

We wanted to create something on Southbank that has the appearance of a small independent run operation, amongst all the high street chains.

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THE INDEPENDENT: No. 16 /
50 BEST COFFEE SHOPS 2010

‘It’s a hip and friendly little café/bar that’s buzzing with life and minimalist cool,’

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Frae - Notting Hill

A re-treat in Notting Hill

Working again with our friends at FRAE we designed and implemented the new Notting Hill store in record time. Keen to open and take advantage of the summer trade, we fast tracked everything into an ambitious 4 week design and build.

Using the master concept that we had created originally, we were able to create a lot more theatre around the service style. The focal point of the store is a long tiled counter with all products recessed into the top beneath a clear glass screen. The central projecting wall carries the menus and also serves to conceal the yogurt machines.

Keeping the existing shopfront from the original 1950’s travel agents, FRAE wanted to pay homage with the large wall graphic taken from a 50’s holiday brochure. Introducing the natural materials and simple furniture the store becomes a real retreat on busy Notting Hill Gate.
Frae - Islington

Organic frozen yogurt

Although offering a very high quality product, Frae needed a stronger brand and store identity with which to roll the concept out across the capital. Creating the brief we worked alongside the client to produce a concept that built upon the character and personality that had already been established.

Avoiding the cliches that are common in this industry, we introduced a bold marque that gives Frae a strength and authority that works both in store and out.

Basing the store design on a modular kit of parts, we were able to demonstrate how easily the concept could be implemented into different locations and store formats. Since unveiling the new look, Frae has enjoyed an increase in sales that has brought forward their plans to expand the business.

www.frae.co.uk
Couture

Food Hall

Situated on the waterfront at Neptune Quay, Ipswich, the Couture Food Hall is a 5000sq ft site including a 120 cover Brasserie, Delicatessen and Coffee shop. The concept divides up the site to allow the different areas to work independently within this large open space.

Divided into two main spaces, the emphasis is very much on the link between food retail and dining. Showcasing local and artisan food products the offer is very seasonal which allows the space to change appearance throughout the year. Evolving the existing brand we created large billboard wall graphics and food packaging creating an overall consistency throughout the space.
The Crown & Anchor

Chiswick's crown jewels

The Crown & Anchor Chiswick dates back to the late 1700’s and has been an important landmark in Chiswick both socially and architecturally.

The Bar counter returns into the back area to form an open kitchen which puts the produce and chefs on display forming the backdrop to an impressive Gastro Pub offer.

To tie the whole concept together we created 2 large graphic walls, using ornate victorian type. These ornate letters then formed the identity that carries through onto the menus and communications.
The White Swan

Twickenham

The White Swan Twickenham is a 17th century pub on the north bank of the River Thames. Overlooking the famous Eel Pie Island, it is a popular destination for enjoying a drink by the river.

Along with the riverside location the pub also has a very rich rugby history which can be seen with its collection of memorabilia and photographs.

Working with Convivial London Pubs we introduced a new colour, furniture and lighting scheme to reflect the more food focused offer, and a more traditional type style and identity for the pub sign. Rearranging the bar area we were able to create more space, and make it operationally more efficient. Paying homage to the rugby connection we also created a selection of menu designs displaying the local team colours.
The Royal Festival Hall

Café & bar

The Riverside Terrace Cafe is located at the Royal Festival Hall on London’s Southbank. The complete redesign of the food and drink offer formed part of the redevelopment of the Southbank Estate.

Working alongside Allies & Morrison Architects and English Heritage we developed the new look servey areas to compliment the strict design guidelines of this iconic building.

The Cafe consists of a large glass servery counter and two preparation areas, creating an ‘Open Kitchen’ feel and allowing the customer to see the staff at work.

Two further side ‘Wings’ provide a self service offer and extra pay points. The cafe area spills out onto the terrace which overlooks the River Thames.

Tomorrow…

the future of creative recruitment

Tasked with re-naming and branding a young dynamic team of creative recruitment specialists, we quite literally looked to the future – Tomorrow…

www.betomorrow.co.uk/
Westfield Stratford City

Great Eastern Market

Working alongside Shaun Clarkson ID we were asked to join a two way pitch for the identity of the new food market concept at the latest Westfield development in Stratford.

Originally the name of a famous local market in the area, we took inspiration from the buzzing sound, and heckling often associated with traditional market traders. Using the speech bubble device to infer conversation and sales chat, we created a playful brand with a modern stencil logo type, including signage, fixed furniture and on-site digital communications.
DCM

Digital Cinema Media

Digital Cinema Media (DCM) are responsible for over 80% of cinema advertising in the UK.

We work closely with DCM to create engaging print and promotional items.
Media Bus

New direction

Following on from the success of designing the Media Bus vehicle, we were asked to develop the branding and help promote the offer to all the individual user groups. Being a training facility every user has a different requirement, and therefore needs to be communicated to in a slightly different way.

Refining the logo into something more iconic and instantly recognisable, we wanted to create a marque that would be a symbol of endorsement and synonymous with cutting edge technology, and the highest level of Industry relevant training.

Creating four individual brochures, the user can be targeted with the information specific to them, avoiding wasting money sending out a catch all piece of literature. The selected brochures are then contained with in a folded Media Map. Inspired by Origami the map displays information on the capabilities of the vehicles, and the amazing success of the media industry within the UK, from Film and Animation to Gaming and the invention of the Internet itself.
Bakerloo

A New Level in Professionalism

We were approached by Sydney based B2B Oracle resourcing consultants Bakerloo, to create a new identity and website. Working with the client we developed a simple marque, based around the building blocks or coming together of all elements to reveal the full picture.

The final identity combines the typeface, along with the ‘B’ symbol, which can also be used independently of each other. As well as the identity, we have designed the website, allowing them to introduce themselves to potential clients in this recommendation driven business.
Barcode

Raising the bar

Barcode is an initiative dedicated to establishing bartending and drinks retailing as a recognised profession. Involved from the first initial meetings we created the brand and even named the scheme.

Working on all print and digital communications, we collaborated with illustrators and web developers to deliver a complete brand platform in order to launch the scheme to the industry.

www.barcode.org
GoGo, Cable Monkey & Fibrefox

e-commerce made e-asy

Connectix, a leading UK manufacturer of Structured Cabling Products, came to us to create three very individual e-commerce websites and marques.

The first site, Cable Monkey, targets the home installer. The second site, GoGo Cables, a ‘bargain bin’ selling off old or end-of-line stock. Finally, the third site targeted fibre optic installers. A simple grid was established in which all sites could sit. Creating a platform on which subsequent “shops” could be installed in the future.

www.cablemonkey.co.uk
Borley Smokery

Oak smoked goodness

Borley Smokery, based in the village of Borley in Suffolk, was the idea of retired film-makers Jeremy and Charlie Hamp. The aim was to produce high quality, locally sourced smoked food from their small home smokery. Having completed a smoking course and seemingly endless Health & Safety courses, the next thing to organise was an identity for the business that would reflect the nature of the product and most importantly be able to be implemented by the owners. After all this was to be a truly cottage industry.

We saw an opportunity to literally ‘brand’ the company’s new logotype on to packaging, stationery and vehicle livery. By keeping the application of the identity extremely simple and by stipulating a widely available typeface to support the identity we ensured that implementation by the owners would be simple to undertake whilst remaining consistent and strong.
City of London

A little piece of history

Christopher Bell, partner at Fourmation, re-designed the City of London Coat of Arms, under the creative direction of David Pocknell. The symbol, being well known in financial centres the world over, needed careful handling and re-drawing it was a sensitive project. However, as a modern organisation the City of London required a more contemporary rendition of the crest that would perform better, communicate the contemporaneity of the organisation and, most importantly, reproduce consistently and clearly when used in print, online and in other media.

Each stage of the re-drawing was presented not only to the committee at the City of London and the Lord Mayor but also to the College of Arms. Taking into account these comments, we undertook a number of revisions to arrive at the symbol that is now visible on all of the organisation’s publications, vehicles and uniforms.

The Media Bus

your digital journey

The Media Bus came to us with a brief to create a fully mobile outside broadcast vehicle that could be used for training in all areas of digital media. This facility provides educational opportunities to rural and disadvantaged communities. The high specification also allows it to be used by professionals such as Apple, Adobe and ITV.

In addition to creating the vehicle design, we are also working on all of the communication activities in order to create a complete brand consistency. Moving forward we are re-designing the website and all other digital media in order to facilitate the build of buses 2 and 3 into 2011.
Jing Tea

A refreshing change

Presenting a new tea brand to the retail market was always going to be tricky. Everybody drinks it, but with a huge number of varieties very few people know much about it. The tea connoisseurs at JING Tea wanted to be able to inform and demonstrate the product to the retail market and briefed us to design a way in which to do it.

The JING Tea bar uses traditional serving techniques in a very contemporary way to educate people in the art of infusing, pouring and even drinking their whole leaf tea products. The bar is fully demountable and self contained and can be set up anywhere. The design is also modular, so can be adapted to its location. The development of this concept will see a number of bars installed into hotels in the US and Far East.
LG

Life's Good Lounge

3D TV is the ultimate immersive viewing experience, filming content simultaneously with 2 cameras, simulating the way our eyes work in real life.

The Life’s Good Lounge was an opportunity to create a mobile experience that could showcase the technology in a familiar and comfortable setting. Split into 2 sections we were able to show off the spectacular effects of both Active and Passive 3D TV’s.

With the first location at Westfield London, the Life’s Good Lounge will tour the UK bringing a 3D experience to a shopping mall near you!
RAC

Classic car insurance

This Routemaster bus was an opportunity for the RAC to have a presence at major events in the motoring calendar. Working closely with Abbott Mead Vickers ad agency, we gave this design classic a brand new lease of life.

The interior gives the public an opportunity to experience the RAC brand. The lower deck comprising of an entertainment suite with integrated technology, and the upper deck is a more business-orientated space for staff to present RAC products and services.
Grey Goose

The portable bar

Grey Goose vodka is one of the world’s best selling premium vodkas. Created mostly for the North American market, it has won many awards for the pureness of its distilling process. With the strap line ‘World’s Best Tasting Vodka’ there was really only one thing we could do to introduce this product to the international duty free market.

Targeting international duty free customers we came up with the idea of a premium bar and brand experience. Installed into the Virgin Atlantic Business Lounges throughout Europe, these bars were able to take advantage of captive audiences at busy international airports. The bar consists of a sink and ice well and integral power supply for a plug in lamp and sound system. The branding was inlaid into the timber and aluminum sections to create the appearance of a finely crafted piece of furniture. Being mobile the unit can also be used in store to introduce new products and promotions.