Bernische Kraftwerke, now known as BKW, is a Swiss energy and infrastructure company headquartered in Bern. Founded in 1898 as Aktiengesellschaft Elektrizitätswerk Hagneck, the company was renamed Bernische Kraftwerke AG in 1909 and later became BKW AG in December 2011.[1][2] The company’s visual identity has undergone several documented refinements over the past decades, reflecting its evolution from a regional utility into an international energy services provider.
Design and History
The earliest documented logo for Bernische Kraftwerke dates to 1970, attributed to Swiss designer Erich Hänzi. The mark is described as an abstract design featuring circles, holding shapes and lighting motifs, consistent with the energy sector.[3] Hänzi was an active Swiss graphic designer in Bern during this period, with additional documented work including a 1981 poster for the Loeb department store.[4]
In 2013, BKW initiated a brand refresh led by the agency Hilda design matters. The company described this as a “facelift” of the BKW brand, with the corporate design elements including the logo, typography, colors and layout refreshed and “energized” to support the Swiss energy transition. The new BKW logo and a distinctive orange-white layout element were systematically deployed across digital and print communications, exterior signage at the company’s headquarters at Viktoriaplatz, stadium advertising and a poster campaign.[5]
A more comprehensive rebranding followed in 2015-2016, developed by the Zurich-based agency Process. The rebranding positioned BKW’s transformation from a state-owned electricity provider into a customer-oriented energy service company. The new identity was described as standing for “less complexity, more emotions and clear, direct communication at eye level.”[6][7] The work received a Rebrand 100 Global Award (Merit) in 2016 and a German Design Award “Special Mention” the same year.[8]
In June 2026, BKW announced a further brand development, describing it as “much more than just a new look.” The company stated it was strengthening the BKW master brand with clearly positioned sub-brands, simplifying its brand architecture to make the diversity of its services more visible.[9]
Meaning and Symbolism
The 1970 logo by Erich Hänzi is categorized as an abstract mark incorporating circles, holding shapes and lighting elements, reflecting the company’s role in power supply.[3] The 2013 refresh introduced orange and white as the dominant brand colors, with the orange-white layout element becoming a defining feature of BKW’s visual communications.[5]
The 2015-2016 identity by Process introduced a distinctive pictogram style supplemented by hand-drawn sketches, intended to simplify complex information. The agency stated that “strong colors” were used to bring life into a highly technical world.[7]
Typography and Design
Documentation of the 2013 refresh confirms that typography was among the corporate design elements updated by Hilda design matters, alongside the logo, colors and layout grid. The specific typeface used has not been publicly documented in available sources.[5]
The Process rebranding of 2015-2016 introduced a unique pictogram style and hand-drawn sketch elements as part of the broader visual system, complementing the logo and color palette.[7]
Logo Index is an independent educational archive covering logos, visual identities and graphic design history. All trademarks and brand assets remain the property of their respective owners.
