Karlssonwilker Unveils Calder Gardens Identity After Two-Year Process

New York design studio Karlssonwilker has completed a visual identity for Calder Gardens, a Philadelphia cultural space dedicated to Alexander Calder. The project, which took nearly two years, involved over 60 exploratory sketches and multiple presentations before settling on a wordmark that plays with negative space. The identity includes a logotype, signage, wayfinding, website, and applications like shopping bags and coffee cups. The process is documented in a 144-page book, 'Finding an Identity for Calder Gardens,' self-published in 2025 and soon to be distributed by Lars Müller Publishers starting September 29, 2026. Partners Jan Wilker, Vera Yuan, and Hjalti Karlsson emphasized a slow, collaborative approach, contrasting with AI-driven quick solutions. The client, Alexander S.C. 'Sandy' Rower, Calder's grandson, sought a non-commercial, disruptive identity. The final wordmark uses the typeface Söhne and is black and white, reflecting Calder's work. The studio, based in Ridgewood, Queens, remains small and works closely with clients, including UNMAS and Atelier Calder.