In 2021, Anglo American South Africa consolidated its offices into a single location at 144 Oxford in Johannesburg. As part of a drive to entrench the strategic future and brand messaging of the business in the minds of its employees, we were tasked with creating a series of interior signage and branded art installations for each of Anglo American’s business units. Each installation focused on connecting the people with the individual mining products that fuel the business and their role in the broader business.

The installations in the reception area focused on showing the global presence of the business and the individual’s role in those operations. The map was constructed from a combination of steel and copper sheets, and mounted to create a curved, globe-like effect. Individuals were prompted to envisage themselves in the mirror installation, placing themselves in the journey of creating a better future when working together.

Makarapas are rooted in the history of South African mining, evolving from the miners’ hardhats into a uniquely South African football supporter attire. We wanted to reflect this history and the intersection between culture and industry, by commissioning a series of bespoke makarapas from the authentic artisans in Johannesburg. The themes of these sculptural helmets reflected the minerals, biodiversity and people located in the various mining communities that Anglo American operates in.

In a drive to show the diversity of Anglo American’s people we partnered with a local LEGO supplier to create a series of over 300 unique LEGO figurines.

Each business unit within the broader Anglo American organization focuses on a specific mineral. To showcase the importance and broader usage of these minerals beyond the mining sector, we developed a series of infographic sculptures visualising the applications of Anglo American’s mined minerals in everyday life situations.

The new strategic journey had to be championed by the leadership. As a formal pledge, we collected the signatures of leaders at various levels within the business unites and overarching teams to create a brass-cut frames installation to feature within the c-suite lounge.

We created a custom-built typographic installation within the finance department made completely from individual 50 cent coins. The ageing of the coins created a unique effect, resembling glitter shimmering in the light. The installations speaks to the idea that every piece, no matter how small, contributes to greater whole.

We also created a series of sculptural mandalas built from keys and resin discs, speaking to each employees ability in unlocking the potential of Anglo American and South Africa.

We commissioned a custom octagon string sculpture to reflect the facets and colour refractions of a diamond. This reflected the purpose statement of De Beers, a subsidiary of Anglo American in the mining sector.

Other installations visualised the various aspects of Anglo American’s values and purpose statements. This included a single-line illustration made from corten steel, layered wood icons to communicate the organisation’s values and a digital ticker tape, highlighting individual employees and their contribution in building a better business.