Stadt Dortmund: The Only one of its kind
Roles: Sonic Strategist · Creative Director · Senior Sound Designer · Lead Composer
Context
Dortmund’s sonic identity was designed to move beyond conventional city branding and create a scalable auditory system with a distinctive, contemporary voice. Our analysis showed a landscape shaped by short-term executions, restrained expression, and safe emotional territory, creating room for a bolder, more resonant sonic presence.
The goal was to translate Dortmund’s character into a flexible sonic identity that feels direct, energetic, and unmistakably tied to the city.
cultural insight
Dortmund’s identity is shaped by its unique rhythm: a city defined by transformation, industrial heritage, and a strong sense of community. The local Ruhr dialect carries this character through its directness, warmth, and distinctive cadence.
The phonetic structure of “DORT–MUND” became the foundation for the sonic idea: a natural rhythmic pulse that transforms the city’s spoken identity into an instantly recognizable auditory signature.
Sonic solution
We developed a modular sonic system built around a sound logo that captures the cadence of “DORT–MUND” as a bold gesture. The core motif anchors a flexible design that can evolve across touchpoints while staying consistent.
The sonic language extends into a full toolkit, including soundscapes and editorial music applications such as brand packaging and music curation, creating a unified expression of Dortmund as a city in motion: direct, energetic, and unmistakably its own.
Sonic system
Sound Logo
Soundscapes
Music Packaging - “Feel Good”
Mini Bumper for UX Applications
Full Tracks
Credits:
Agency: WESOUND
Project Owner & Head of Design: Lars Ohlendorf
Composers: Kids in a Candy Store