Sister Cities in Action – Global Brand and Online Presence

Climate change, social inequality and sustainable urban development do not stop at borders – answers to these challenges must be found together. To this end, four cities in three partnerships have joined forces in the “Sister Cities in Action” project with one and the same goal: Berlin is working with Jakarta, Mexico City and Windhoek, coordinated by the Berlin Development Policy Advisory Council (BER). Tandems of Berlin NGOs and organisations from the partner cities contribute their expertise, create spaces for dialogue and build long-term relationships. This creates transnational networks in which local actors learn from each other, implement concrete projects and advocate for greater global justice and sustainable urban development in an equal cooperation between the Global South and North.

To make this collaboration visible externally, flmh developed the visual identity and digital presence for the “Sister Cities in Action” project. As a first step, flmh refined the project’s strategic direction in two international workshops together with the partner cities. Building on this, name development took place: the original administrative designation “Model City Partnership” was further developed in an iterative process regarding its impact and comprehensibility. From the workshop insights, a name emerged that visualises dynamism and cooperation: “Sister Cities in Action”.

To make this cooperation visible to the outside world, flmh developed the visual identity and digital presence for “Sister Cities in Action”. As a first step, flmh sharpened the strategic direction of the project together with the partner cities in two international workshops. Building on this, the name was developed: The original administrative designation “Model City Partnership” was further developed in an iterative process with regard to impact and comprehensibility. The workshop findings resulted in a name that makes dynamics and cooperation visible: “Sister Cities in Action”.

For the logo and web design of “Sister Cities in Action,” flmh developed a collage style that makes several cities visible in one image. Based on the question of how all cities could be represented simultaneously in the hero section, the idea arose to “cut together” city motifs in a collage-like manner and combine them with a color coding where each city receives its own logo color. This resulted in a flexible, reusable design element – which visually communicates that the project is composed of many individual parts.
The task for the website was to create a visual language that expresses dynamism and cooperation – while simultaneously leaving enough room for the diversity of cities, people, and ideas behind the project. Online, flmh translated this into a clear, modular structure with generous white space, concise images, and intuitive navigation. Visitors will find news, information about the project and the partner cities, as well as opportunities to participate. The result is a consistent, professional presence that makes “Sister Cities in Action” both informative and visually engaging.