GBDI
Open Data for Better Buildings
Project Summary
The Global Building Data Initiative (GBDI) was born from a pivotal GLOBE workshop, where global stakeholders united to tackle one of the built environment’s greatest challenges—reducing resource use and carbon emissions. GBDI provides an open, standardized methodology for assessing embodied carbon impacts, equipping policymakers, industry leaders, and building professionals with the tools to drive meaningful change. Through collaborative platforms and expert insights, it fosters data transparency and global cooperation. More than just a tool, GBDI is a movement, empowering you to shape a low-carbon future through shared solutions and innovative building practices.
Services
Strategy, Visual Identity, Illustration, Web design and development
Strategy
GBDI is more than just a tool—it’s a community-driven initiative that gives you the power to shape the future of the built environment. Together, we are building a world where data transparency, global collaboration, and shared solutions pave the way for a sustainable, low-carbon future.
Identity
The visual identity was heavily inspired by Swiss design aesthetic—simplicity, restraint, clarity. An important factor was the ambition to empower communal action, whether than be through single business action or policy change. It was therefore integral to balance the mature, refined aspect of the brand with a human-centered approach. Core to the identity is a custom illustration library which is across applications and touch points, supporting storytelling and breaking up, or giving ease to rigid grid layouts. Consistency in shape, format and line weights allowed us to develop a strong red thread through the visual system, so it equally well in a board-room, as it inspires on a large format OOH piece. The word mark was meticulously crafted based on Sean Kane’s Modernist typeface. The widened ‘G’ and ‘D’ characters open up the word mark to a flat oval, a shape which is carried through to the icon and the illustration system. Bars have been added to the ‘I’ to resemble a cement block, embedding the essence of materials into the logo. The Globe represents our global outlook and presence, balanced with an abstracted building and data lines. It is simple, refined and sophisticated.
