The McDermott Award
Overview
Since 1974, The Eugene McDermott Award in the Arts at MIT has been recognizing young artists for innovation, and excellence within their field. A prestigious award, consisting of a $75,000 cash prize, and a campus residency, is given annually to a deserving, rising talent.
Adam&Co. was commissioned by MIT to develop the first-ever identity system for the award, which consists of a logotype, business papers, website, promotional campaign materials, and the actual, physical award. Our design concept leverages the "C" and "D" characters within the name McDermott, to abstractly represent the left and right halves of the brain. The right side (the D) is elevated, as if to celebrate creativity.
The physical award appears in the shape of an orb consisting of two halves, using internal magnets to keep it closed. When opened, the award shifts toit's second position, where the recipient's name is revealed, while the exterior mirrors the "C" and "D" relationship within the logotype.
The award is presented by the Council for the Arts at MIT.