Breathing New Life into an Iconic Organization

We are designing, producing, and installing interior and exterior branding for DAV’s (Disabled American Veterans) new National Headquarters in Erlanger, KY. The goal is to bring its iconic brand to life in a 3D brochure. The building is the cover, and the interior spaces are the pages.

See how our renderings came to life in the finished product here

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The DAV experience begins with its prominent view from the I75/71 expressway. We wanted the building to be a brand statement. Simple, clean lines frame the DAV logo, creating a balanced 3D composition from any viewing angle.

If the exterior is the cover, than the real story begins in the lobby. A simple reception desk uses DAV logo geometry and provides a landing place and launch point for visitors. A gun-metal angled reception wall features an LED, “night vision” green light band. An adjacent satin silver panel highlights DAV’s historic seal. A retail store, interactive video tower, and an impressive 100 Years of DAV exhibit flank the desk. Each piece complements and informs the others to create pleasing visual compositions wherever you look.

Visitors, veterans, and employees can learn all about DAV using the touch interactive video tower. Content ranges from a custom-formatted DAV overview to short pieces on activities and programs and customized presentations–even the latest news from DAV, which we call DAV TV. It recognizes donors, celebrates veterans’ stories, and trumpets employee accomplishments. The tower is fully accessible with secondary menus built in so visitors of all abilities can enjoy it. Specialized sound equipment enables a single visitor to use the interface without disturbing those in the surrounding areas. This effect can then be switched to a larger audio pool when presenting to a larger group.

More branding elements deliver messaging tailored by location, audience, and activity. Circulation hubs such as elevator lobbies and break rooms feature DAV TV’s kiosks. They share some of the lobby tower content plus department metrics and other customized messaging. A retail store is next to the interactive and exhibit area. It offers a wide range of DAV-branded clothing and accessories.

Cushman & Wakefield is managing the entire project. We are partnering with Champlin Architecture, Bayer Becker, and Danis Construction. The building opens mid-2021.