At the heart of the brand is a custom typeface inspired by Alan Turing’s pioneering computers and the letterforms from early code-breaking machines.
Pentagram has revealed the new visual identity for Sister, a multi-billion pound innovation district for Manchester. Launched by Mayor Andy Burnham, this groundbreaking project is set to transform the city’s landscape, merging science, technology, and community to create a dynamic neighbourhood at the heart of the UK’s second city.
A joint venture between The University of Manchester and Bruntwood SciTech, Sister is strategically located between Piccadilly Station and The University of Manchester. The district will feature a mix of offices, labs, creative spaces, homes, shops, restaurants, and a new arts centre. The development, designed by architects Allies and Morrison with sustainable landscaping by SLA, aims to blend innovation with Manchester’s rich history of scientific discovery.
A Design Rooted in Innovation
There’s no getting away from Manchester’s incredible history. The birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, there was much to inspire Pentagram’s Harry Pearce and his team when embarking on such a project. In the end, they narrowed it down to Manchester’s storied history of innovation, particularly its role in the birth of computer science, spearheaded by Alan Turing.
Central to the identity is Sister Mono, a custom typeface inspired by the letterforms from early code-breaking machines and Turing’s pioneering computers. With its distinct monospaced design, Sister Mono forms the backbone of the district’s brand identity, enabling the typeface to be versatile while maintaining a strong brand presence across various applications.
The logotype is equally inspired, drawing from The Manchester Code, a data signalling system developed at the University of Manchester in the late 1940s. The flowing line that wraps around the letterforms in the Sister logotype reflects the district’s porous boundaries, symbolising connectivity and movement, much like the River Medlock that runs beneath the site.
A Tribute to Manchester’s Scientific Legacy
In collaboration with The Draft, Pentagram also drew on Manchester’s educational and scientific heritage. Sister’s name itself comes from an unfulfilled proposal in the 1963 Robbins Report, which envisioned Special Institutions for Scientific and Technological Education and Research (S.I.S.T.E.R.) to be established in Manchester, London, and Glasgow. This powerful link between education and innovation is woven into the identity of the district, which now stands as a realisation of that vision.
To communicate Sister’s mission, The Draft developed a manifesto and film that encapsulate the project’s community-driven nature. Their tagline, “It takes a community to raise an idea”, underscores the collaborative spirit central to the district’s ethos.
A Versatile and Dynamic Identity
As we’ve come to expect from Pentagram, the design goes beyond a static identity, incorporating animations, an extended set of linear icons, and typographic patterns that reflect the brand’s versatility. The whole package is dynamic and meant to evolve with the district. At the same time, bright secondary colours offset the core black-and-white colour palette to give the feeling of a clean, confident aesthetic. The visual language, meanwhile, aims to reflect both the scientific rigour and creative energy that define Sister.
The logo and typeface are designed to seamlessly integrate with imagery, combining science and nature in striking compositions that reflect Sister’s vibrancy and diversity. It’s certainly a multifaceted identity—one that will feature across the district’s signage, environmental graphics, and digital platforms, ensuring a cohesive experience for both visitors and residents.
Looking ahead, it’s said that Sister is set to redefine Manchester’s position as a global leader in innovation. Pentagram’s thoughtful design hopes to not only reflect the district’s ambitions but also its deep respect for Manchester’s past. As the project develops, Sister will serve as a living, breathing testament to the power of community, creativity, and innovation—hallmarks of Manchester’s contribution to the world.