This is your Vyborg: combating historical decay through social branding.

About

Vyborg is a city with a unique and complex history, having belonged to the Russian Empire, Finland, and Sweden, enduring through the centuries with resilience. Today, however, it faces a far greater challenge than any in the past—indifference. No longer threatened by ladders, arquebuses, or howitzers, the city is slowly crumbling under neglect, its great history turning to dust. If you look closely, you might even see it on your hands.

Vyborg officially became a city 110 years after the construction of its iconic castle. 170 years later, the Horned Fortress was built, and 130 years after that, it became a part of Russia. Now, after 308 years, the city faces a crisis of disunity, with its identity fraying at the edges.

The new logotype draws inspiration from the well-known shapes and outlines that Vyborg has acquired over the centuries, reflecting its rich heritage. It is more than just a symbol; it embodies the city’s warm embrace, welcoming both residents and visitors alike.

Sadly, Vyborg is quietly deteriorating—its once-grand facades hidden behind construction mesh, collapsed walls hastily sealed with fence blocks, and authentic architectural elements replaced with modern materials that strip the city of its character. Unlike the charming European towns it once resembled, Vyborg is losing its identity, and this is what we aim to address.

This design concept embraces authenticity, focusing on the city’s native outlines and colors rather than chasing trends. It is a journey from ascetic simplicity to rich detail, from timeless black and white to the vibrant hues of the digital age.

The phrase “This is your Vyborg” is more than just a slogan; it is an invitation to reconnect with the city on a personal level. The concept of kinesthetization allows everyone to take part in shaping their own experience—whether by creating a handmade postcard, decorating a notebook cover with markers, or painting a T-shirt. This hands-on approach transforms passive admiration into active participation, making Vyborg a place where every visitor can leave with a piece of the city, crafted by their own hands.