Iron Graphics, Illustration and Visual Communication Design · 2023
Kayan 2022 Calendar
by Hassan Taher
- A' Design Award 2023 Iron Winner in Graphics, Illustration and Visual Communication Design
- Awarded April 15, 2023
- CLIENT: Kayan Office
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 12,448
- Verification code B144EDF141 · Verify this award
About Kayan 2022 Calendar
Kayan 2022 is a folding calendar created for an architecture office. The calendar is printed on uncoated wood-free paper and folds into a small square that is easy to carry and to store. When opened, the sheet becomes a large square poster for a wall or a board. Each month is shown with a geometric form, and the dates flow around the shapes. Weekends are printed in a different color for quick reading. Open white space allows notes. After the year ends, the poster can be turned over to show a collage of architecture details.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- The concept was to create a unique calendar design that has dual function and can be used after the calendar days end. It was designed in a foldable pocket size to make it easier for clients to collect and consider, when the calendar is opened it transforms into a big square poster that can be displayed on a board or wall. The dates are gray in color and the weekends are colored differently for easier identification. The numbers flow around the unique iconic shapes. Its design is very simple and can be easily read without the need of adding days above the dates. The poster is double sided, one side has the calendar design and the opposite side has a collage of architecture details.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Printed on uncoated paper, Wood-Free 120 gsm thickness
Folded Size: 14.85 x 14.85 cm
Open Size: 59.4 x 59.4 cm - Tags
- Calendar, Kayan Office, Design, Poster, square, dates
- Production Technology
- The design was printed on wood-free paper 170 gsm, is then folded into a square
- Design Challenge
- The concept design was the most challenging part in this design and then presenting it in a way to convince the business owner to produce it.
- Project Duration
- Project started in August in Kuwait and was printed in December and distributed to Kayan's Clients
- Operation Flow
- The Calendar has plenty of white space for the user to add notes and mark important dates, which makes it very practical and functional. When the year ends the poster can be flipped to use it as a decorative poster to display the unique design of the architecture designed by Kayan Office.
- Research
- Digital research of similar unique calendar designs, check availability of materials in the market, Kuwait is a very limited market in terms of resources and can be challenging to find the right materials for the right project. But keeping it simple was the best decision made.
- Inspiration
- The logo was inspired by the "Kayan" logo design, using the simplified shapes from the logo (triangles and squares) they created 12 unique shapes in different forms that looks like a broken cube, each form creates a unique iconic shape. The geometric shapes represents the architecture designs that are developed by the architecture firm.
- Image Credits
- Photos credits belong to JACK WOZNIAK, Photographer
Optional Image: #03_hassan_taher_kayan_calendar, Working Room Render belongs to NORDES design group (and was used for presentation purpose only) - Patents
- Copy Rights belongs to Kayan Office 2022
Colors of Kayan 2022 Calendar
Grand Interview about Kayan 2022 Calendar
The transformation of the Kayan 2022 Calendar into both a functional tool and an architectural poster was inspired by a desire to merge functionality with aesthetic appeal. This dual-purpose concept was born from the idea of creating a piece that not only keeps time but also serves as an inspiring visual element in any space. Throughout the design process, the challenge was to seamlessly integrate artistic expression with everyday functionality, thereby reflecting the innovative spirit of Kayan's architectural practice.
The design of the Kayan 2022 Calendar, marked by its geometric forms and resemblance to broken cubes, draws inspiration from the distinctive geometry of the Kayan logo. This direction allowed me to explore a variety of organic and geometric compositions, leading to the creation of a series of forms that artfully blend diamond shapes and cubes. This combination introduces a captivating illusion effect, where the interplay between these shapes creates a visual depth that seems to shift depending on the viewer's perspective. This dynamic interaction not only showcases Kayan's dedication to modern and innovative architectural solutions but also adheres to and expands upon their established design philosophy, illustrating a commitment to both form and function in architectural design.
Challenging traditional calendar designs was key to promoting Kayan's brand image & design aesthetics as modern and innovative. Opting for a compact, pocket-sized design that doubles as a wall poster, the calendar was crafted to be not only practical but also a piece of decor. The decision to forego traditional day headers in favor of a streamlined date arrangement was aimed at enhancing the simplicity and modernity of the design, making it intuitive and user-friendly while still stylish.
One challenge was selecting a paper durable enough to maintain its form when folded yet premium enough to reflect Kayan’s sophisticated identity. After careful consideration, I selected 120 gsm wood-free paper, which offered a perfect balance of quality, environmental friendliness, and durability, with an uncoated finish to enhance its tactile appeal.
Receiving an A' Design Award for the Kayan 2022 Calendar was an honor that significantly impacted my approach to design. It strengthened my focus on detail, concept development, and presentation quality. This recognition has not only boosted my credibility but also deepened my clients' trust in my ability to deliver innovative, impactful designs.
Incorporating white space into the calendar design was a practical decision to cater to Kayan's team, providing ample room for notes and marking important dates. This minimal yet functional approach ensured the calendar balanced usability with a unique, standout aesthetic.
The subtle use of color coding enhances the functionality of the calendar while aligning with Kayan’s elegant brand identity. Weekends are marked in a calming blue, contrasting with the bright red used for holidays, facilitating quick visual differentiation by users and maintaining a cohesive look that complements Kayan's sophisticated style.
Kuwait’s limited material resources influenced many execution decisions. However, the simplicity of the design allowed me to achieve Kayan’s vision with locally available materials, leveraging my professional network to ensure the final product was both practical and modern while meeting the client’s expectations.
The architectural collage on the reverse side of the calendar was a way to honor Kayan's architectural identity. Featuring details inspired by works of Arch. Bashar Al Salem and photographer Jack Wozniak, the design transforms the calendar into a timeless piece of art, extending its life and purpose beyond the calendar year.
The design process of the Kayan 2022 Calendar was a delightful blend of creativity and functionality, emphasizing the intersection of corporate and artistic design. This project demonstrated the potential of graphic design to enhance business communications, making everyday tools like calendars both functional and visually engaging, and deepening client engagement through thoughtful design.