client
Sport Aberdeen
scope
sector
Charity –
Community Sport & Health
A bespoke graphics scheme inspired by movement, water and community.
For the refurbishment and reopening of Bucksburn Swimming Pool, Sport Aberdeen commissioned a series of environmental graphics to bring warmth, energy and personality to the newly transformed facility. Spanning the internal and external walls, the project was to create an engaging visitor experience from the moment people arrive.
project brief
The brief was to develop a graphic system that complemented the refurbished building while reinforcing Sport Aberdeen’s brand identity. The artwork needed to create a welcoming atmosphere, support wayfinding and introduce moments of interest throughout the visitor journey.
Working across a variety of large-format applications, the designs had to remain flexible and consistent while reflecting the energy of swimming and encouraging people of all ages and abilities to feel part of the space.
The approach
One Continuous Visual Language
Taking inspiration from the fluidity of water, the artwork combines loose hand-drawn linework with layered graphic forms to create a sense of movement throughout the building. Stylised swimmer illustrations, bubbles, waves and the Sport Aberdeen fan motif connect each space, creating one continuous visual language across walls, signage and wayfinding.
A Welcoming Arrival
A large feature graphic in reception depicts a swimmer cutting through the water, viewed from beneath the surface, setting the tone as visitors enter the building.
Movement Through the Building
Spanning the length of the corridor, stylised swimmers on opposing walls create an immersive journey inspired by movement and water.
Designed for Everyone
The simplified illustrative style, paired with a variety of hairstyles, swim caps and swimwear, creates an inclusive representation of the community while aligning seamlessly with Sport Aberdeen’s visual identity.
Words to Inspire
Completing the scheme is Hannah Miley’s inspiring quote, “Be proud of your personal best,” celebrating achievement at every level and recognising one of Aberdeen’s most accomplished swimmers.
Wayfinding with Personality
Rather than using standard industrial signage, the wayfinding was designed as an extension of the overall graphic scheme. Incorporating Sport Aberdeen’s fan motif, simplified line illustrations and brand colour palette, the signs create a functional yet engaging system that feels cohesive, recognisable and on brand throughout the building.
Integrated Manifestation Graphics
Manifestation graphics were created for the entrance doors and poolside glazing, turning a practical safety feature into an extension of the wider graphic scheme. Using the same flowing linework and graphic motifs, they reinforce the visual language while creating a cohesive experience throughout the building.
Beyond the Walls
The reception mural was adapted into a full-colour design for children’s welcome t.shirts, while custom swim caps featuring the Bucksburn Swimming Pool identity and graphic motifs helped carry the visual language beyond the building.
Welcoming from the Outside
The scheme extended outdoors with exterior graphics using clean gradients and Sport Aberdeen’s fan and brand typography to create a welcoming and consistent first impression.
client testimonial
Kirsty’s creativity, professionalism and collaborative approach make her a real asset to any organisation.
We’ve loved working with Kirsty and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her. She’s incredibly creative, responsive and an absolute pleasure to work with. She quickly understands a brief, brings fresh ideas to the table and consistently delivers high-quality work, often turning projects around at impressive speed.
One of Kirsty’s standout projects for us has been developing the visual identity for the much-loved Bucksburn Swimming pool following its refurbishment. She has successfully given the venue its own distinctive personality while ensuring it sits seamlessly within the wider Sport Aberdeen brand. The result has been outstanding and has been widely praised by our members, the local community, stakeholders and even the professional trades involved in the project.
Kirsty’s creativity, professionalism and collaborative approach make her a real asset to any organisation. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a talented designer who genuinely cares about delivering exceptional work.
– Lauren O’Neill, Head of Marketing & Communications at Sport Aberdeen
A Humble Contribution
It was incredibly rewarding to help transform the refurbished pool into a welcoming and inspiring environment, creating graphics that celebrate movement, community and participation for every visitor.
