IRIS

The Iris is the first major residential development of new construction in the Cortex Innovation District in midtown St. Louis. It is designed for who those wish to live/work in the center of the St. Louis region’s innovation hub. Arcturis, in collaboration with Lead Designer Chris Cedergreen, led the synergistic effort for the entire project from architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, and brand identity.

Material affordability was a major design consideration to keep construction costs down--all while maintaining architectural integrity and interest. It was imperative to the developers of the project to not price out young entrepreneurs – those imperative to maintaining the “high-collision” environment that has made Cortex a success. A Bauhaus-inspired approach of “art as building” is present throughout the design intention giving the building a creative and inspired personality. With building orientation, form, shade & shadow, sunlight reflectance, graphic elements, and specialized lighting, the Iris building will present itself as art and be viewed as such.

Building on the firm’s architectural and interior design work for the project, the brand emerged through a seamless collaboration across disciplines. Following stakeholder focus groups, “Iris” was selected as the name, inspired by the connection between how the mind works and the eye sees. Positioned near Cortex and in view of the client’s neighboring project, Chroma, the name supports an identity rooted in color, perception, and innovation.

Drawing from Bauhaus principles, the brand identity embraces bold primary and secondary colors, clean geometry, and dynamic composition to create a sense of movement and optimism. Circles, angles, and layered forms reference both artistic experimentation and functional design, while vibrant contrasts bring energy and visibility to the brand. Balanced with warm tones and approachable elements, the identity feels creative, modern, and welcoming.