CORPORATE VISUAL IDENTITY
CORE ELEMENTS
LOGO
LOGO HISTORY
COWI’s logo was designed in 1972 by one of Denmark’s best-known graphic designers, Erik Ellegaard
Frederiksen.
The logo was developed by forming an abbreviation of the first letters of the two founders’ first names and
surnames: Christen Ostenfeld and Wriborg Jønson (in the past, the letter ‘J’ was written with an ‘I’).
THE LOGO
The COWI logo is the core element of our corporate visual identity. The logo must never be altered or
reproduced. The COWI logo must be present on all materials, whether digital, print or otherwise.
TAGLINE
COWI is a one-brand company and has no tagline or sub-logo versions.
DISTANCE OF RESPECT
The distance of respect ensures that the logo always stands out and reads easily. The clear space around
the logo is the distance of respect.
No other elements must be placed within this area. That means no graphic elements, typography or other,
non-approved background colours within the clear space. This also means that the logo must not be
placed inside a box or other graphic elements.
The clear space is determined by measuring the height of the logo (the x-height) and as a minimum,
making sure that the logo has the same clear space around it.
TIP: Draw a symmetric square with the height of the C and place it in the corner.
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