Location: Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
Client: Butler Technical University
Project Type: Centennial Coffee Table Book
Deliverables:
- 100-Year Commemorative Coffee Table Book
- Logo and Identity Design for centennial celebrations
- End-to-End Design and Editorial Execution: Complete content curation, editorial structure, layout design, and proofreading
- Coordination with Print Vendors and Production Supervision: Print production support, binding, and material consultation
Challenges:
- This was one of our earliest intercity projects and it came with its own set of logistical hurdles. With the client based in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, and our team operating in Pune, the back-and-forth of physical printing samples, on-site approvals, and content iterations tested our pace and coordination.
- Beyond distance, the richness of the content itself posed a delightful challenge: decades of photographs, memories, archival notes, and university history needed careful proofreading, thoughtful placement, and design sensibility that could do justice to the legacy.
- The need to align two distinct visions added to the complexity. The client sought a sentimental, nostalgic approach while we gravitated towards a more editorially refined and modern aesthetic. Striking that delicate balance became an early turning point in the project.
Thought process and Ideation:
We approached the centenary book as a living archive, something tactile and timeless that could honour a 100-year-old institution.
- Our design leaned towards minimalism with meaning: clean lines, strong typographic grids, and an elegant visual rhythm.
- After several collaborative conversations with the university, we arrived at a visual language that honoured both our aspirations — old-school charm met modern restraint.
- The final look embraced a monochrome palette of black, dark grey, and metallic tones, echoing the institution’s gravitas while allowing the warmth of curated photographs and handwritten notes to stand out.
- The design was layered, but never crowded. Every page was curated to offer both depth and dignity — a shared narrative where aesthetics met emotion.
Impact:
- The book was unveiled during the university’s centennial celebration and was later presented to the Hon’ble President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind ji.
- Not only did he graciously receive it, but he also tweeted about it, giving this project national visibility and turning it into a proud, defining moment for us.
- For our team, it became more than a portfolio piece — it became proof of craft, collaboration, and cultural relevance. A story we told well, and a legacy we helped preserve.