Bjarke Ingles Group: BIG Website
Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) has made a significant impact on the field of architecture in recent years, redefining what is possible in contemporary design. Known for its bold, innovative, and sustainable approach, the firm has gained global recognition for projects that challenge traditional architectural norms.
Bjarke Ingels Group’s website is a masterclass in digital branding for architects, seamlessly translating the firm’s design philosophy into an engaging online experience.
The site mirrors BIG’s innovative approach to architecture with a bold, minimalist aesthetic, using a monochromatic palette that lets the vibrant visuals of their projects take center stage. In this article, we explored how the BIG website serves as a digital extension of the firm’s architectural philosophy.
The Essence of an Architecture Website
An architecture website serves as a digital portfolio, captivating visitors with stunning, high-quality visuals and concise, informative text. To attract new clients effectively, such a website must embody the industry’s values and trends while showcasing the unique niche and style of the firm or individual behind it.
The renowned Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí once remarked, “There are no straight lines or sharp corners in nature therefore, buildings must have no straight lines or sharp corners.” While there’s no single, definitive approach to designing a building, the essence of modern architecture lies in its ability to evolve, innovate, and inspire—shaping both public and private spaces in extraordinary ways.
Bjarke Ingels’ Website: A Digital Manifestation of his Architecture Design Identity
Bjarke Ingels, a Mastermind of architecture and founder of BIG, built his brand after gaining valuable experience at Rem Koolhaas’ renowned architecture office. His journey, marked by recognition like The Wall Street Journal’s Innovator of the Year (2011) and Time’s 100 Most Influential People (2016), reflects his ability to blend vision with practicality.
Bjarke’s philosophy shines on his website, where he has said architecture must go beyond art to connect with its audience, addressing their key questions to provide the best solutions. This idea guides the website’s central question: “Who is the target audience, and what are they looking for?” The result? A bold choice!
BIG website that breaks norms by making the portfolio the main page. what lies in common among all audiences of the BIG website—architects, Construction industry investors, and end users alike—is a shared visual foundation, the key element for assessing and appreciating its design.
Delving deeper, the website’s design is built on several pillars:
- A minimalist approach with black and white palette, spotlighting the iconic nature of BIG’s projects.
- Dynamic storytelling tools, such as narratives and diagrams, replacing boring static data with engaging visuals.
- Seamless navigation, eliminating confusion and simplifying the user journey.
- The People page intelligently organizes the textual and visual content for over 700 individuals in a categorized format, without sacrificing the minimalist aesthetic.
- The News page, which professionally documents events, awards, and lectures with precision, offering a professional standard often overlooked by young architects.
- The Career section constantly lists updated job openings, simplifying the process of attracting potential talent.
BIG website is a digital reflection of his architectural approach. Thoughtful, innovative, and audience-focused, it sets a new standard for how architects present their work to the world.
Web Design in Architecture Sector
Web design and architecture share many parallels: the skillful use of space, clear visual communication, and the creation of environments that invite exploration and linger in memory.
The finest architecture websites seamlessly blend form and function, acting as digital showcases that elegantly display the architect’s work while immersing visitors in their creative vision.
Crafting such an online presence requires thoughtful decisions—refined typography and color palettes, intuitive navigation, and a focus on striking architectural imagery should reflect the architect’s style, emphasizing their innovation and expertise. Adhering to professional web design standards, such as strong security, responsive layouts, and accessibility, ensures a smooth and inclusive user experience.
By combining visually stunning content with user-centered design, you can meet the expectations of architecture clients: captivating visuals, a track record of excellence, and a clear, engaging process. Let’s explore how 10 web designers successfully translated the design philosophies of architecture firms into compelling digital experiences.
Resources: aaup | BIG | Archdaily