Centenary Brand Refresh for
Namibia Scientific Society

A glimpse into the early days of the Namibia Scientific Society: Mr Rust at his desk in the 1970s, one of the organisation’s first employees. To the far right, a map of then–South West Africa, and in the corner, an oshongo or Kavango fishing trap, speak to the layers of scientific and cultural knowledge held in the Society’s archives. The desk and chairs pictured remain in use today — a quiet continuity between past and present. Image courtesy of NSS.

Guided by our signature approach to brand communication design—where storytelling, visual language and stakeholder insight meet, we brought the NSS story to life with clarity and purpose. Through design thinking, consultative sessions with the board and working groups, deep research and creative exploration, our team shaped a visual narrative that reflects both legacy and ambition. We immersed ourselves in NSS’s history, values and future vision, uncovering ways to amplify its visibility and redefine its role in Namibian society. This wasn’t a mere facelift. It was a strategic repositioning of its brand value; what the organisation stands for, how it’s perceived, and the role it plays in people’s minds.

This concept was inspired by the existing NSS logo and served as a strong foundation for the refreshed identity. We began with a visual motif rooted in crystallography, drawing from Namibia’s distinctive crystal formations and the idea of facets—natural structures that are precise, organic, and inherently collaborative. 

Visual research, initial sketches and concept exploration—exploring logo design options from refreshed to simplified and evolutionary. Crystal image: Camille Cox on Unsplash.

Primary, secondary and centennial logo designs representing the diverse study groups and sections within the refreshed NSS brand identity

Echoing Namibia’s rich geological heritage, the colour palette reflects the country’s natural landscape to create a grounded yet contemporary feel. The existing spectrum of blues was relooked to capture the vastness of scientific inquiry, exploration, and discovery, evoking the expansive sea and sky. This blue also embodies the brand’s dedication to knowledge and innovation. The typography—applied consistently across the brand name, headings and body copy—was carefully selected and curated to balance modern clarity with distinctive character, reflecting the precision and elegance of crystalline structures.

Beyond the logo, we developed a full suite of brand assets to activate the identity across physical and digital platforms. From letterheads and business cards to social media templates and banners, each touchpoint reflects the core principles of clarity, structure and refined beauty. The crystal concept carries through every detail, translucent overlays, spot UV finishes and layered facets—creating a brand presence that feels both distinctive and trustworthy. The transparent quality of crystal reinforces a sense of openness, depth and cohesion in the refreshed visual identity.

The brand refresh culminated in a centennial celebration that brought together Namibia’s scientific community, cultural institutions, educators, and public leaders to honour a century of scientific progress. The launch event not only marked this milestone but also looked decisively toward the future, unveiling both the Society’s refreshed visual identity and the conceptual presentation of its proposed new facility designed by Kerry McNamara Architects (KMA).

As one of Namibia’s most respected architectural practices — known for its contribution to shaping modern Namibian architecture through thoughtful, context-responsive, and socially attuned design — KMA brought a vision that aligns seamlessly with the Society’s aspirations. Their concept for the new extension, set to house the Society’s library and scientific archives, signals a bold architectural landmark in the making: a space that honours the institution’s heritage while creating room for new forms of knowledge exchange, research, and public engagement.

The celebration itself featured an immersive brand reveal, with banners, presentation slides, branded keepsakes, and exhibition panels designed to showcase both the Society’s legacy and its renewed ambition. In a powerful moment of continuity and change, long-standing members and new supporters were among the first to experience the refreshed identity, which was met with enthusiastic praise for its balance of precision, symbolism, and warmth. Stakeholders highlighted the brand’s ability to reflect the Society’s ongoing relevance in an evolving scientific landscape, while remaining firmly grounded in Namibian place, history, and purpose.

NSS celebrates its 100th anniversary by unveiling the refreshed brand identity to its members and distinguished guests. Image courtesy of NSS and Turipamwe.

The rebrand has since been featured in the Namibia Scientific Society's own publication, covered in local press, and shared widely across NSS networks. Beyond media visibility, it has sparked renewed interest among younger audiences and potential partners, demonstrating how clear, deliberate design can make science more accessible, relatable, and resonant.

Through design, we translated legacy into momentum, equipping the Namibia Scientific Society with the visual tools to inspire the next hundred years of curiosity, collaboration, and impact. With a fresh, adaptable identity, NSS is positioned to spark curiosity, strengthen its community, and showcase Namibia’s scientific excellence on both the local and global stage.