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Cambridge University
The world famous Cambridge Union Debating Society is a true British iconic institution and the oldest. Across three centuries, thought provoking figureheads have graced this stage, like Greta Thunberg, Winston Churchill, Bill Clinton and Sigourney Weaver. Following a £3.4m investment in the Society's union bar, our challenge was to do what no-one had done in over 200 years, to craft a brand new name and positioning for a future facing generation of diners and debaters.
Strategy : Branding : Positioning : Naming : Copywriting : Messaging : Design
The original union bar name, 1815, paid homage to the year the Debating Society was established. We set about re-shaping one of the most important brand assets, the name, from a numerical solution into a literal concept.
We united strategic areas of consideration to reflect the University's longstanding heritage and relationship with the spoken word. The Orator was born. Think astute British tone and voice from such previous clients as M&S, The Financial Times and Rolls-Royce.
"Not to offend the designers of 1815, but The Orator is a big step up, the brasserie cleverly named (orator means 'a public speaker, especially one who is eloquent or skilled'), is full of quotes from ex-Union speakers."
The Tab
"The name itself sums it up perfectly: it is a space to speak, discuss, debate, and think freely with friends, over a delicious coffee, meal, or glass of wine."
Varsity
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