Swirling snails and shifting triangles define Studio Yukiko’s look for UKR’s Grand Snail Tour

Taking place in Germany’s post-industrial Ruhr region, the Grand Snail Tour is a travelling exhibition project that aims to engage a vast audience. This transformative initiative, launched by the cultural institution Urbane Künste Ruhr, sparks dialogue and co-production in public spaces as it journeys through all 53 cities of the Ruhr area over three years. Like a proverbial snail trail, its ultimate goal is to leave diverse impressions, shared experiences, and meaningful connections in its wake, inspiring a new perspective on the region’s cultural landscape. The project’s identity, designed by Berlin-based creative agency Studio Yukiko, reflects the Ruhr’s industrial heritage while incorporating the contemporary flair and vibrancy of its public art initiatives. “The entire colour palette is inspired by various elements relevant to the Ruhr region, its post-industrial character, and the overall concept of Urbane Künste Ruhr,” explains Designer Ira Ivanova. “The colours range from bold, functional tones seen in industrial settings – such as signal colours and control buttons – to organic hues drawn from nature, reflecting the region’s blend of industry and environment.” A neon green works with and against these hues to grab attention in urban and public spaces, adding a layer of unexpectedness in a post-industrial context.