About COWI

Origami triangles

The origami – also known as our fifth element shows how COWI, our customer and the end user are all part of the same solution. The graphic element and our 360° approach allow for multiple variations. Origami consists of 2 to 6 triangles that all touch each other in a shape of an origami. They can be used as a watermark, in which case they appear only with graduations, or as a storytelling element, in which case they appear as shapeholder of one or more photos.

Origami
The origami is a graphic element which is used throughout the design. The element symbolises how COWI approach projects, hence the element is dynamic and can change form from element to element.

Predefined origamis with various numbers of triangles are available for download.

Use of the origamiThe origami can be used as a watermark or as a storytelling graphical element. When used as watermark, the origami adds structure to the background. When used as a storytelling element, the origami highlights the different aspects of a COWI project and the people involved.

Watermark usage

The combinations of triangles and forms are indefinite. Each triangle in a origami is individual made both in terms of gradient and angels.

The gradient can range from a 40% black to a 5% black.

The angel of a triangle can be changed so there is a visual difference of gray where the different triangles connects with each other in the origami.

Grey is the primary colour used in the origami watermark. However, all colours from the COWI colour palette can be used in the origami watermark.

Storytelling usagePictures can be used in as many triangles as needed to communicate the story.

Origami with one picture: The picture has to be either professional or of great quality. It is required that picture is treated with the desaturated look as described under photo proceeding.

The picture must appear centrally in the largest triangle of the origami and express one of the storytelling elements: machine, man, detail or man/machine combination.

Origami with two or more pictures: The pictures have to be either professional or of great quality. It is required that picture is treated with the desaturated look as described under photo proceeding. If all triangles are not filled with pictures, make sure that two or more triangles in the final origami is colour graded using very light colors from the COWI color palette.

Dos and don'ts
Don't use different colors in the origami.

Don't separate the origami, the triangles must always touch at least one other triangle.

Only use colours from the COWI color guideline over the origami as watermark.

Only use the photo origami on very light colours equal as a 25 % gray.
Only cover the watermark origami if it matches the design.

Don't have text to close or covering a storytelling origami.

If you create your own origami, make sure the angles are not to pointy making the origami look like a star. It should always resemble an origami shape.