Phoenix Award
digital prototype
LADOT
September 2023
Celebrating Excellence in Innovation and Mobility, this case study highlights the creation of a distinctive award logo and digital 360° prototype designed for LADOT's Phoenix Award, symbolizing transformation, progress, and the spirit of the Los Angeles Engineering & Mobility Team.
Creating the logo
The Phoenix Award logo was designed to embody renewal, progress, and innovation within Los Angeles’ evolving transportation landscape. Inspired by the mythical phoenix rising from the ashes, the mark symbolizes LADOT’s commitment to transformation and forward-thinking mobility solutions. The design integrates fluid, upward motion with modern geometric forms, reflecting both the city’s dynamic energy and the precision of engineering. The result is a bold, timeless emblem that honors excellence while visually capturing the spirit of rebirth and innovation at the heart of the Phoenix Award.
Design research: Exploring the Phoenix as a Symbol of Innovation
I began by researching phoenix imagery to understand how this powerful symbol of rebirth and transformation could visually align with LADOT’s mission of innovation and mobility. Exploring different artistic interpretations—from traditional mythological depictions to modern minimalist forms—helped define the balance between strength, motion, and renewal. This research guided the visual direction, ensuring the final logo captured both the symbolic essence of the phoenix and the forward-moving spirit of Los Angeles transportation.
Design Review – Version 1 Concepts
The initial Phoenix logo concepts, each exploring a different balance between motion, structure, and symbolism. Version 1 focuses on a clean, upward form that reflects renewal and forward movement, aligning closely with LADOT’s vision for innovation.
LADOT’s team was drawn to V1. It felt strong, optimistic, and instantly recognizable, exactly the kind of symbol they wanted representing the Phoenix Award.
Bringing the Phoenix to Life
The final logo and structural design of the Phoenix Award combine symbolic imagery with functional elegance, translating the concept of rebirth and innovation into a tangible form. Every curve, angle, and detail was carefully crafted to reflect LADOT’s commitment to forward-thinking mobility, resulting in an award that is both visually striking and meaningful.
Digital Prototype & Presentation
To bring the Phoenix Award design to life, a digital 360° prototype was developed to showcase how the final piece would appear in motion. This prototype allowed LADOT to experience the award’s form, materials, and symbolism from every angle—long before production began.
Process
Using a combination of 3D modeling and motion design tools, the prototype was crafted to highlight the award’s elegant geometry and reflective surfaces. Careful attention was given to lighting and movement, emphasizing the upward energy and renewal embodied by the Phoenix. Every rotation revealed new details, from the structural balance to the interplay of metallic and matte finishes.
Highlights
The 360° motion captured the essence of transformation, the Phoenix appearing to rise as light moved across its form. This digital presentation not only celebrated the design’s symbolism but also served as a compelling visual tool to communicate the concept to stakeholders with clarity and emotion.
Outcome
The final presentation received enthusiastic feedback from the LADOT team, affirming the design’s alignment with their values of innovation, progress, and excellence. The digital prototype became a central storytelling piece, demonstrating how thoughtful design and modern visualization can transform a concept into an inspiring reality.
Typography
The typography was carefully chosen to complement the Phoenix symbol with clarity, balance, and modern sophistication. A clean sans-serif typeface was selected to reflect innovation and precision, while subtle adjustments in spacing and weight ensured visual harmony with the dynamic logo mark. The result is a strong yet refined typographic system that reinforces LADOT’s forward-thinking identity and the award’s theme of excellence in motion.
Project Outcome
The Phoenix Award project successfully delivered a cohesive visual identity that captured LADOT’s values of innovation, transformation, and excellence. From the initial logo concept to the structural design and final digital prototype, each stage reinforced the theme of rebirth and forward motion.
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The integration of a 360° digital prototype elevated the presentation, allowing LADOT to experience the award’s design dynamically—showcasing material depth, form, and movement in a realistic, engaging way. This immersive approach not only strengthened visual communication but also enhanced stakeholder confidence in the final concept.
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Ultimately, the project stands as a testament to the power of strategic design and storytelling, transforming an abstract idea into a symbolic, tangible representation of innovation and achievement for the City of Los Angeles.
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