The Ava
Living in Natural Rhythm
The Ava is an affordable housing community in Eugene, Oregon developed by Community Development Partners. Located within a landscape shaped by river corridors, tree canopy, and migratory bird routes, the project presented a meaningful opportunity to explore how the rhythms of the natural world can influence the rhythms of everyday life.
We helped define the community’s placemaking and brand strategy, establishing a narrative that positions nature not simply as scenery, but as a grounding presence that supports connection, belonging, and wellbeing. From there, we translated that thinking into a visual identity system designed to live comfortably across environmental graphics, communications, and the evolving life of the property.
The result is a brand that reflects the calm, cyclical qualities of the natural world while reinforcing the idea that community, like nature, flourishes through shared rhythms and connection.
Strategy & Creative Direction
Our work began with a placemaking strategy designed to guide how the community would take shape over time. We developed a set of core beliefs centered on the idea that stronger connections to the natural world can support healthier rhythms of life and more meaningful connections between neighbors.
These principles established a shared framework for the project team, helping guide decisions across architecture, landscape, and the evolving character of the community.
Alongside this strategic foundation, we defined the creative direction for the place itself — establishing a calm, nature-forward aesthetic that balances durability, warmth, and restraint. The resulting visual identity extends these ideas through a flexible system of marks, patterns, and motifs designed to move comfortably between the physical environment and the community’s communications.
Positioning & brand foundation
Placemaking strategy
Visual identity system
Creative direction
Brand standards
Our Role
Below is a selection of pages from the brand standards created for The Ava, demonstrating the visual system and guiding principles behind the identity.
Elevating The Core Idea
The Ava tagline reflects the belief that connection to the natural world helps establish the rhythms that allow people and communities to thrive. Inspired by the natural history of the site and the surrounding landscape, the idea recognizes that when life moves in closer alignment with nature, connection to each other follows naturally.
Client Reflections
“The work Tuo delivered helped us see the project in a completely different way. Suddenly there was a clear story and foundation behind the community, and that made it much easier to make decisions across everything we’re working on. It’s helped our team feel much more connected to what this place can ultimately become, and the ongoing creative guidance has been incredibly valuable as the project continues to take shape.”
Thomas Eldritch, Senior Development Manager, Community Development Partners
