Sciopolis – Imperial College

Project

Sciopolis commissioned RareKind to develop and deliver a large-scale exterior artwork for its new life-sciences building at One Portal Way in North Acton.

Working closely with Sciopolis and main contractor McFeggan Brown, RareKind created a building-wide design inspired by the Sciopolis logo, visual identity and brand colours. The artwork extends across all four elevations, using flowing lines, linked forms and floating nodes to represent connection, collaboration and the exchange of ideas.

The project also included sculptural signage, window graphics and additional visual elements designed to create a distinctive identity for the building and strengthen its presence within North Acton.

Process

RareKind led the project from initial concept and design development through to production and installation. The Sciopolis logo became the starting point for the visual language, with its connected structure expanded across the architecture to create movement and continuity around the building.

The artwork was carefully adapted to respond to windows, entrances, rooflines and changes in elevation. A predominantly black base created a strong backdrop for the coloured lines and nodes, allowing the design to remain visible across the building’s scale.

An eight-person RareKind team delivered the work over approximately six weeks on a live construction site. The production involved a combination of spray application, hand painting, specialist access equipment, scaffolding and mobile towers. RareKind coordinated closely with McFeggan Brown throughout the programme to manage access, sequencing and site safety.

RareKind also produced the technical drawings for a 2.8-metre-tall aluminium Sciopolis logo, working with local fabricators Q Metals from initial development through to fabrication, powder coating and final installation.

Outcome

The completed project transformed the exterior of One Portal Way into a bold and recognisable landmark for North Acton.

The artwork gives Sciopolis a strong visual identity while expressing the ideas at the heart of the development: science, innovation, collaboration and community. The connected forms guide the eye around the building, linking its separate elevations into one coherent creative statement.

Delivered across a complex live site, the project demonstrates RareKind’s ability to manage ambitious building-scale commissions from concept through to final installation, bringing together creative direction, artwork production, fabrication, signage and construction coordination.