Zhou Feng and his thousands of drafts. [Photo/WeChat account: sjwzr-ysq]
The signage system for the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games and Asian Para Games serves as an essential tool for implementing functional zoning, managing pedestrian and vehicular traffic, enhancing the event's landscape, and creating a vibrant atmosphere.
Leading the design team is Zhou Feng, a resident of Wenzhou and associate professor at the China Academy of Art.
"It took less than a week to decide to use the jade cong as the symbol for the Asian Games. The cong is the symbol of Liangzhu culture, offering a glimpse into the development of ancient Chinese civilization. As a major sporting event, the symbol should reflect the distinctive features of the host city because it's an opportunity to showcase its cultural significance to the world," explained Zhou.
Hangzhou has no shortage of globally-renowned attractions, with landmarks like Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon, the Broken Bridge, West Lake, and the Qiantang River each telling a unique story of the city's development.
However, Zhou said the worldwide recognition of these landmarks does not necessarily provide ready-made design themes. On the contrary, it presents a challenge for designers. "We need to find images with deeper cultural significance to allow the world to understand Hangzhou," Zhou stated.
In addition to focusing on functionality, the design incorporates distinctive Asian Games features, elements of Hangzhou's urban culture, and sports imagery. Zhou dedicated a significant amount of time to studying how to maintain the principles of systematization, universality, cost-effectiveness, safety, and artistic appeal in the signage.
"The design adjustments have been ongoing. Typically, we would produce a batch of new proposals every one or two days, totaling well over 1,000 versions," Zhou revealed.
"From a design perspective, the intricate details involved in signage design can be laborious and complex. However, if it makes domestic and international spectators more comfortable and at ease during the games, then it is a testament to the value of our design work," Zhou reflected.
Signs are commonly seen across venues for the Hangzhou Asian Games. [Photo/WeChat account: sjwzr-ysq]
