Website and Identity - dolnobelevo.com
Case Study: Website and Identity - dolnobelevo.com
CLIENT
Dolno Belevo Village
DELIVERABLES
Coat of Arms & Visual Identity
Web Design
About Dolno Belevo: A Village Rich in History and Tradition
Nestled in the heart of the Gornotrakijska nizina, Dolno Belevo is a small village in central southern Bulgaria, known for its beautiful landscapes and welcoming community. The Romans frequently traveled through the area, leaving behind numerous artifacts that connect Dolno Belevo to ancient history.
Bringing Dolno Belevo’s Story to Life
The creation of a dedicated website for Dolno Belevo was a step toward connecting its past with the future. The goal wasn’t just to build an online presence—it was to craft a space that captures the spirit of the village. This new platform allows visitors to explore the historical events that shaped the region and discover the vibrant cultural life that continues to thrive today.
In addition to the website, another key initiative was the design of a Coat of Arms, marking the village’s Roman connections, unique customs, and proud identity. This symbolic crest serves as a visual representation of Dolno Belevo, finally giving the village a recognizable emblem that reflects its heritage and character.
Through the website and its new symbol, we aim to share the beauty and traditions of Dolno Belevo with a wider audience, providing insight into the local attractions, history, and community spirit. This project brings together the village’s timeless charm with modern digital accessibility, ensuring Dolno Belevo’s story continues to be told for generations to come.
Step 1: Researching Dolno Belevo’s Background
The first task was to dive deep into the history and essence of Dolno Belevo. Founded in 1470, this small village is located in central southern Bulgaria, in the fertile region of the Upper Thracian Lowlands. Known for its rich agricultural output, the village thrives on the cultivation of wheat, sunflowers, and an abundance of exquisite fruits and vegetables. Scattered around the area are several Thracian tomb mounds, highlighting the village’s ancient connections. As of March 15, 2022, Dolno Belevo has 235 residents.
Step 2: Planning the Website’s Structure and Design
Next, we planned the website’s layout, content, and design to reflect the village’s tranquil and historic character. We selected a soft, harmonious color palette and font style that evoke a sense of warmth and calm, making visitors feel welcomed as they explore the site.
Step 3: Crafting a Visual and Content-Driven Experience
The final step involved integrating key website elements to bring the charm of Dolno Belevo to life. Clear, thoughtfully written content paired with high-quality images helps users easily visualize the village’s beauty, while providing essential information about its attractions, history, and culture. The result is a website that not only informs but also invites visitors to experience Dolno Belevo for themselves.
Coat of Arms and Symbols
The Lioness
At the top of the coat of arms stands a golden lioness on a green background, symbolizing family, care, courage, and protection. This powerful image is inspired by a bronze lioness from Roman times, discovered in the region, which has long been a symbol of safeguarding the vulnerable. Throughout the history of Dolno Belevo, family has been the cornerstone of the community, and the village’s deep-rooted traditions reflect this. Just like the lioness fiercely protecting her cubs, the people of Dolno Belevo take care of one another with unwavering dedication and compassion.
Goliama Kanatitsa
In the bottom right of the coat of arms lies a non-heraldic symbol known as the “Goliama Kanatitsa,” drawn from traditional Bulgarian embroideries. This emblem represents family and the vital role families have played in shaping Dolno Belevo’s history. The Goliama Kanatitsa serves as a reminder of how the village began over 550 years ago, when four family lines settled this land, laying the foundation for the community that thrives today. It’s a tribute to the enduring strength of family, which continues to be the heart of Dolno Belevo.
Golden Fields
In the lower left of the coat of arms, a golden and green field symbolizes fertility, hope, and renewal. The rich, fertile soil is what first drew the early families to settle in this area, and it remains a cornerstone of the village’s identity. Though Dolno Belevo traces its roots back to 1470, the theme of renewal is ever-present. Remarkably, it is one of the few villages in Bulgaria that continues to grow in population, reflecting its enduring vitality and promise for the future.
The Typography
Montserrat
Montserrat is a geometric sans-serif typeface, designed by Argentine graphic designer Julieta Ulanovsky and first released in 2011. With its large x-height, short descenders, and wide apertures, Montserrat offers excellent legibility, even at smaller sizes. Over time, it has evolved into an extensive type family, offering nine different weights, from Thin to Black.
Ulanovsky describes Montserrat as a functional, modern alphabet, ideal for a wide range of applications—from publishing to corporate branding. She calls it a “geometric typeface with bold optical adjustments,” blending precision with versatility.
The website project for Dolno Belevo successfully brought the village’s rich cultural heritage to life online, establishing a digital presence that highlights its history and promotes tourism to the region. With its thoughtful design, engaging content, and user-friendly maintenance, the site has become a valuable resource for both visitors and locals.
Our team approached this project with care and passion, determined to show that even a small village deserves a place in the digital world. We crafted this website with love and dedication—inviting you to explore it with the same heart with which it was made.
And This Is How We Were Rewarded for Our Work
Meet Barksy, the lively orange Breton Spaniel who became an unexpected and heartwarming form of payment for this meaningful project. His arrival symbolizes more than just gratitude from the village—it’s a testament to the bond created through creativity and community. Barksy’s journey from Dolno Belevo to his new home is a charming reminder of the unexpected rewards that come from designing with heart.
