Design in Architectural ContextFranci Virgili
ProjectTypeYear Studio
Confidential ClientIllustration2024Gensler
Salus in ArduisArchitecture2023
Poster for Gensler SeattlePoster2023Gensler
Gensler Office SeattleSignage, Wayfinding2022Gensler
OMSIIdentity2022Gensler
Confidential ClientSignage, Wayfinding2022Gensler
Confidential ClientSculpture2022Gensler
Ai Mai MarketInterior2021
Chobani Non-DairyExperiential Design2019Chobani
ChobaniWayfinding, Environmental Graphics2018Chobani
Chobani CaféInterior, Identity, Environmental Graphics2018Chobani
Scaffolding at AIA New YorkExhibition2017OMA, MTWTF
Highlights at AIA New York Poster2017MTWTF
Hyundai Motorstudios GoyangSignage, Wayfinding20172x4
CDM SmithEnvironmental Graphics2016büro uebele
Messe StuttgartSignage, Wayfinding2015büro uebele
Poster for Yale UniversityPoster2015

Objects Among 
Other Objects

(OoAOooOo)





In object-oriented ontology, the term "Democracy of Objects" refers to the idea that all entities, whether human or non-human, are considered equal in terms of their ontological status. This means that objects, regardless of their size, complexity, or material composition, have their own inherent being and agency. 

OoAOooOo challenges anthropocentrism by asserting that humans are not the only beings with significance or agency in the world.

What if, within the realm of object-oriented ontology (OOO), we were to entertain the speculative notion that letters, illustrations, materials, or buildings possess agency akin to that attributed to human and non-human entities? 

By extending the principles of the "Democracy of Objects" to encompass the realm of cultural artifacts and architectural constructs, we embark on an exploration of the inherent being and agential potentiality latent within seemingly inert objects. In this theoretical framework, letters cease to be mere linguistic signifiers but instead emerge as active agents in the processes of communication and meaning-making. Illustrations, imbued with their own semiotic codes and aesthetic expressions, transcend their status as passive representations to actively shape perceptual experiences and evoke emotional responses. Materials, whether natural or synthetic, are no longer inert substances but dynamic participants in the materialization of spatial configurations and the construction of built environments. Buildings, traditionally conceived as static structures, reveal themselves as complex assemblages of interacting elements, exerting influence on social dynamics, cultural practices, and environmental contexts.

This speculative endeavor not only challenges the boundaries between human and non-human agency but also prompts a reconsideration of our ethical responsibilities towards the myriad objects that populate our material and cultural landscapes.
Franci Virgili is a designer with a background in fine arts and architecture. She focuses mostly on design in the built realm, from identities and branded environments to signage and wayfinding.
Work 2021–today: Gensler (Seattle, US)
2021: hims (Brooklyn, US)
2020–2021: Brooklyn Museum (Brooklyn, US)
2019–2020: Chandelier (New York City, US)
2017–2019: Chobani (New York City, US)
2017: OMA (New York City, US)
2017: MTWTF (New York City, US)
2016: 2x4 (New York City, US)
2015: büro uebele (Stuttgart, DE)
2008–2011: The Vision Company (Cologne, DE)

Education
2015–2017: Yale University School of Art, Master of Fine Arts (New Haven, US)
2011–2015: University of Applied Sciences Düsseldorf, Bachelor of Arts (Düsseldorf, DE)
2008–2011: Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Diploma in Graphic Design (Ausbildung Mediengestalterin) (Cologne, DE)
Teaching
2024: Tuskegee University, Gensler Student Design Charrette
2023: Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Gensler Student Design Charrette
2019: Pratt Institute, Guest Critic
2017: Parsons School of Design, Guest Critic
2015–2017: Yale University Davenport College, Graduate Affiliate
2017: Yale University School of Art, Teaching Assistant to Yeju Choi
2016: Yale University School of Art, Teaching Assistant to Julien Bittiner
2012–2015: University of Applied Sciences Düsseldorf, Teaching Assistant to Andreas Uebele 
Credentials
2023: Living Future Accreditation (LFA)

Awards
2023: Gensler Design Excellence Award
2023: GDUSA American Graphic Design Award
2018: German Design Award, Nominee Newcomer
2018: Cannes Lion, Chobani, Bronze
2018: The One Show, Chobani, Gold Pencil (3), Silver Pencil (2)
2018: ADC Awards, Chobani, Bronze (2), Silver (1)
2018: D&Ad Award, Chobani, Wood Pencil
2018: The Dieline Award, Chobani, Editor’s Choice
Publications
2019: On the Road to Variable—The Flexible Future of Typography
2018: Ellipsis—100 typographic conversations
2018: Graduate Directory 2018, wallpaper* Magazine
2018: Talk Magazine Issue 3
2017: Printed Pages Autumn/Winter 2017
2017: International Poster Book 2017
2017: These Posters are Fireworks: Graphic Design on Display
2011: Shift 2012 Calendar
Exhibitions
2017: These Posters are Fireworks, Maharam (New York City, US)
2017: International Poster Competition, Graphic Design Festival Scotland (Glasgow, UK)
2017: These Posters are Fireworks, Project No. 8 (New York City, US)
2017: Beyond Advanced, Green Gallery (New Haven, US)
2016: Esoteric Rodeo, Green Gallery (New Haven, US)
2015: The Gates are Open, Green Gallery (New Haven, US)
Press
2018: Graduate Directory 2018 by Jonathan Bell, wallpaper* Magazine
2017: These Posters are Fireworks: Graphic Design on Display by Ryan Gerald Nelson,The Gradient/Walker Art Center
2017: Fresh Yale Grad Franci Virgili Applies an Academic Approach to Graphic Design by Lucy Bourton, It’s Nice That
2017: Franci Virgili by Nayan Graf Quartier, Arcademi
2017: ‘It’s a Laser Show’: Behind the Scenes at Yale School of Art’s Graphic Design MFA Thesis Show by Rebecca Fulleylove, It’s Nice That


Contact
Email / Instagram