Building public understanding around clean construction
Client
C40
Sector
Climate / Cities / Policy
Category
Narrative, Information and Clarity
Scope
Illustration, Editorial, Digital, Digital Art, Iconography, Motion Design, Information Design
Shared with city leaders globally
Overview
C40’s Clean Construction work supports cities in developing net zero approaches to construction through a series of detailed case studies and policy-led guidance. The project needed to communicate environmental, health and wellbeing benefits in a way that could speak both to city leaders and government stakeholders, and to wider public and non-technical audiences.
The Challenge
The challenge was to make complex, policy-driven content feel clear, relevant and engaging across very different audiences. The work needed to balance credibility and depth with accessibility, helping each city communicate not just the technical case for clean construction, but the wider social value and public benefit behind it.
The Approach
I developed a visual communication system for the series that could hold together detailed reporting, summary information and public-facing assets. Each city deliverable was built around a distinct visual identity, including an illustrated scene, infographic summaries, iconography and report layouts, supported by a wider set of assets for consistency across the series.
The concept centred on prosperity as the visible outcome of cleaner construction. Using an illustrative style inspired by architecture and the construction process, each city was represented through its landmarks, local character and indicators of sustainable progress. This helped frame clean construction not as an abstract policy ambition, but as something tangible, civic and human.
The Outcome
The result was a clearer and more engaging communication system for a technically complex subject. The work helped translate policy-led content into visuals and narratives that could connect with both professional and public audiences, while giving the wider series a recognisable and adaptable identity. Supporting motion and marketing assets also helped extend the work across digital channels and build wider traction around the initiative.
_edited.png)