Prism Apartments

A light-driven identity that positions Prism as a distinctive presence in Cambridge’s competitive multifamily market.

prism apartments illustration of couple waliking in the city
prism apartments black logo vertical

About this project

Prism is a residential identity rooted in the idea of perspective. Located in Cambridge’s Kendall Square, the brand reflects a neighborhood defined by innovation, experimentation, and constant reinvention.

Set within a dense and highly competitive multifamily market, the project required an identity that could stand apart without relying on familiar real estate tropes. The brand needed to feel contemporary and intelligent, while remaining closely tied to place. It had to communicate clarity and confidence, without excess or ornament.

The identity is built around the concept of refraction. Light changes as it passes through space. Experience shifts depending on viewpoint. Prism became a metaphor for modern living, where architecture, environment, and daily life intersect in subtle and varied ways.

The logo and visual language were designed as a system rather than a single mark. A simplified icon provides a flexible point of recognition across digital, social, and environmental applications. Typography and color were selected to support the idea of precision and restraint, allowing the brand to feel composed and deliberate.

Illustration plays a supporting role within the system. Developed in collaboration with artist Maria Coons, the illustrations introduce moments of wit and character when used in transit advertising and digital media. Their presence adds texture to the identity while maintaining conceptual alignment with the core idea.

The brand extends across signage, advertising, and marketing materials, maintaining consistency without repetition. Each application reinforces the underlying concept, creating a cohesive and legible presence within the urban landscape.

Client

AIMCO

Sector

Multifamily Residential

Location

Cambridge, MA (Kendall Square)

Discipline

Naming, Brand Strategy, Brand Identity, Visual System, Advertising

prism logo white and black

The name is a metaphor for modern living, where architecture, environment, and daily life intersect in subtle and varied ways.

prism apartments m logo
prism apartments red haired boy leaning in subway

We designed the Prism “M” icon as a simplified brand gesture, optimized for social media and deployed as a recognizable symbol across a range of marketing materials.

prism apartments tagline on blue

The tagline captures the idea of seeing everyday living through a new lens, shaped by light, perspective, and modern design.

Source Code’s engineered precision reflects Kendall Square’s technological backbone while keeping the identity clean and modern.

prism apartments business cards on gray
Prism brand guidelines

Quirky illustrations by Marie Coons bring personality and humor to the amenities narrative.

prism apartments subway sign by boston design agency adams design

Prism establishes a clear and confident presence within Kendall Square. The identity is adaptable and enduring, shaped to evolve within a place defined by constant change. It resonates with a design-literate audience, reflects the character of its location, and positions Prism with clarity and distinction in a crowded residential landscape.

Explore our approach to Real Estate Branding in Cambridge and Boston, Brand Identity, Brand Strategy & Positioning, and Naming for contemporary residential developments.

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Launching a new apartment community? Let’s define what makes it distinct.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adams Design
20 Park Plaza
Boston, MA 02116

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