The Oklahoma City Convention Center, which opened in January 2021, is a publicly funded 500,000 square foot building. It features a 200,730 square foot exhibit hall, a 29,874 square foot ballroom, and 27 meeting rooms. Its design is inspired by the Oklahoma environment, with each level reflecting the earth, horizon and sky.
Situational Analysis
The MAPS 3 Oklahoma City Convention Center (OKCCC) was established as a vital hub for fostering community growth and engagement in Oklahoma City. Freestyle Creative was tasked with developing branding and a website that encapsulate the center’s role as a reflection of the city’s dynamic culture and forward-thinking aspirations. The resulting identity is bright, energetic, and inviting, designed to harmonize with the surrounding parks and facilities while standing out as a unique visual statement. The inclusion of five brand colors, each symbolizing key values—culture, community, education, hospitality, and innovation—anchors the center’s messaging. The design’s flexibility and adaptability are integral to ensuring its continued relevance in an ever-evolving city.
Goals
The primary goal of the OKCCC branding initiative is to establish an identity that connects with the diverse community while highlighting the convention center as a leading venue for innovation, education, and hospitality. The branding should resonate with both local and international audiences, driving engagement and visitation. Additionally, the brand must support long-term adaptability, enabling future stakeholders to evolve the visual identity in step with the city’s growth. Ensuring consistency across all touch points while maintaining its distinctive personality is a crucial aspect of this effort.
Creative
The OKCCC brand was crafted to be dynamic and adaptable, with a visual identity inspired by the concept of origami. The interplay of five carefully chosen colors symbolizes the values of culture, community, education, hospitality, and innovation, reflecting the convention center’s core mission. These colors fold and refold in harmony to create a flexible visual language that evolves with the needs of Oklahoma City’s growing community. The design encourages collaboration, inviting future designers to build upon its foundation and innovate for the future. This approach ensures that the brand remains vibrant and relevant, adapting seamlessly to the changing landscape of the city and its community.
“I love watching this city evolve and grow, and I’m beyond honored that my team had the opportunity to be a part of this.”
Sonni Adams
Creative Director, Freestyle Creative