Portico: A Hospitality Brand Shaped by Malta’s Architectural Heritage

Designing the identity for a hotel located beside one of Malta’s most recognisable landmarks presented Hangar with a unique challenge: creating a meaningful connection to the Mosta Dome Basilica without relying on the familiar references commonly associated with it.

Rather than turning to names such as Dome, Rotunda or Basilica, the studio explored the architecture and craftsmanship of the building itself. The name Portico emerged from the basilica’s prominent entrance structure, establishing an immediate yet understated relationship with its surroundings.

This architectural approach extends throughout the visual identity. Hangar documented the basilica’s stone carvings, inscriptions and ornamental motifs, translating their distinctive characteristics into the brand’s colour palette, typography and logotype. Each element draws from the landmark’s visual language while contributing to a contemporary and independent hospitality experience.

The result is a brand shaped by history without being constrained by it. Portico acknowledges the cultural and architectural significance of its location while establishing a confident identity of its own.

Hangar is a branding and design studio working with ambitious entrepreneurs, visionaries and innovators. Inspired by the precision, skill and craftsmanship associated with its name, the studio designs brands and digital products for startups and scaleups across fintech, health tech, edtech, AI, VR and blockchain.