ARC
A vibrant, future-focused workplace in West London that puts science, creativity, and community at its core.
- Sector
- Life Sciences
- Location
- London, UK
Overview
The Refinery is ARC’s reimagined innovation hub in Hammersmith, London. The building, a former sugar refinery, was transformed by DN-A Architects into a contemporary lab and workspace for emerging companies in the life sciences sector. They needed a graphic and navigational scheme that would reflect ARC’s mission, give a distinct identity to their dedicated plug-and-play lab space, Motherlabs, and offer a totally unique, science-led workplace experience.
Micro detail of science-infused wayfinding signage
The Brief
ARC wanted functionality, but something unique to set The Refinery apart from traditional lab environments. They needed a warm, engaging experience that would attract tenants and elevate the communal areas, while supporting the architectural narrative and celebrating the pioneering work happening within the building.
Navigational signage at the Refinery building
Wayfinding highlights throughout the Refinery and Motherlabs
Our Response
Our team developed a cohesive suite of wayfinding, signage, branding, and environmental graphics, which have been rolled out across the building. These elements are intrinsically linked, and flow from one another - concept-led and material-focused, enhancing the architectural finishes while introducing subtle storytelling layers that reflect the nature of The Refinery. Throughout, our work takes on an abstract interpretation of growth and scientific exploration - designed to feel broad, without aligning too closely with any one discipline, but still intimately tied to the world of science.
We proposed three creative directions rooted in science-based motifs, expressed with elegance and restraint. The selected concept, ‘Incubate’, positions ARC as the facilitator - a framework within which groundbreaking ideas and companies are incubated and nurtured. Every touchpoint is designed to echo that sense of support, growth, and innovation.
Exterior branded wayfinding
Externally, we have created branded wayfinding for both pedestrians and vehicles, integrated with the nearby public walkway, the Thames Path, as well as an impactful exterior logo signage to establish the building’s identity. Internally, practical, flexible navigation systems evolve with ARC’s ever-changing tenant landscape, including directories, lift signage, and back-of-house operations.
Spokeworks - a cycle hub with its own amenities, at the base of the building - was created as its own distinct location. We have developed naming and environmental graphics for this area, to promote healthy living and to create a unique arrival experience. The visual language is distinct from the rest of the space, with big, bold, geometric-inspired graphics inspired by the ARC brand, and spoke-like shapes to ground the space in its name and use.
Animated experiments for 'Spokeworks' graphics
'Spokeworks' signage
The naming and environmental graphics for Spokeworks promotes healthy living, and creates a unique arrival experience.
Art Curation
Our curatorial approach pays homage to the local area’s historic role in the development of London’s woodcut printing industry, drawing a line between past and present forms of scientific communication. We commissioned London-based printmaker and artist Rachael Louise-Hibbs to create a series of bespoke artworks inspired by traditional woodcut techniques.
Rachael's medical and botanical-themed illustrations echo the visual language once used to share early scientific discoveries, connecting the building’s contemporary life sciences focus with its local printing heritage.
'Metamorphosis I & II' by Rachael Louise-Hibbs
'Feast Your Eyes I' by Rachael Louise-Hibbs
Motherlabs
As part of our work within the Refinery building, we have created a distinct identity for Motherlabs – ARC’s dedicated plug-and-play lab space designed for agile, early-stage life sciences companies. While the broader building supports larger organisations, Motherlabs caters to startups looking to hit the ground running. The space now has a full wayfinding system and environmental graphic scheme to offer a distinct identity, separate yet connected to the rest of the building.
Drawing on the concept ‘Pulse’, the graphic language beats with colour, movement and layered forms – positioning Motherlabs as the beating heart of innovation within the building. Updatable signage and dynamic graphics ensure the space remains flexible and fresh as new tenants cycle in and out, helping to reinforce ARC’s ambition to be the UK’s leading lab provider.
Graphic and wayfinding highlights from inside 'Motherlabs'
Credits
Photography
Nikhilesh Haval