The Steigenberger Hotel had an international reputation, one for delivering a ‘personable’ and ‘secure stay’, and an experience with an international flair and worldly atmosphere.
Following the death of founder Albert Steigenberger in 1958, son Egon Steigenberger began to modernises the business. He focused on further internationalisation, the opportunities of air travel and the growing holiday market.
However, it wasn’t until the 1980s, after the death of Egon Steigenberger, that the hotel embarked on a revised logo and visual identity that reflected the vision of Egon. This would mark the hotel’s 50th anniversary.
Taking the notions of an ‘international reputation and flair’, ‘personable service’, ‘secure stays’ and a worldly atmosphere Germany designer Knut Hartmann began work on a new visual identity for the hotel.
The selected logo brought together three key motifs. The first was a nest, evoking the comfort and individuality of home. The second was a compass rose, positioning the hotel as a cosmopolitan meeting place for interesting people rather than one defined by provincial narrowness. The third was a globe, reflecting an outward-looking, international perspective. Combined, these elements were brought together and simplified to create a form that felt both ‘soft and harmonious’.
Through reduction, refinement and meaning, Knut Hartmann Design created a logo befitting the hotel’s exclusivity. This was further supported by a classical Roman logotype, modified to suit the ‘modern visual taste’ of the time. Together, the logo and typography were said to symbolise the tradition of Steigenberger hospitality as well as its contemporary outlook and international character.
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As a child of the 1980s, I strongly approve of this logo design. It feels certainly ahead of its time and worth admiring and respecting. Congratulations to Knut Hartmann Design for this.