Ukuba Café is a health-focused, university-run café concept developed for a local University, created to reflect the values of student wellness, sustainability, and inclusivity. This brand identity programme was designed to give the café a distinctive and approachable presence while communicating its deeper purpose: encouraging healthier lifestyles within the student community.
The name Ukuba—a Zulu word meaning “being”—represents more than existing; it expresses living with mindfulness, purpose, and balance. This philosophy underpins the café’s identity, positioning it as a symbol of nourishment and well-being. The café brand is built on three key pillars: accessibility, affordability, and sustainability, ensuring that healthier choices are both practical and inviting for students.
At its core, the brand identity is approachable, forward-thinking, and community-driven. It resonates with the university’s multilingual and culturally diverse student body, positioning the café as an inclusive hub where all students feel represented. By weaving together wellness, sustainability, and accessibility, the identity programme demonstrates how thoughtful design can act as a catalyst for healthier lifestyles and a stronger sense of community.