The Architecture Centre Devon and Cornwall website

ACD&C content management system

Client

The Architecture Centre Devon and Cornwall

URL

http://www.acdandc.org.uk

Technologies

PHP, MySQL, CSS, XHTML, JavaScript, Ajax

Go Live date

December 2007

Project description:

When altcom was approached to develop a content management system for the Architecture Centre Devon and Cornwall the pitch was tied in with a full branding project. Whilst we do web design we don’t do corporate branding so we worked with the Falmouth based design agency, Two Design.

As the brand emerged from the web design process the website construction work began. Interestingly Two Design provided a grid based CMS template, creating a ‘magazine’ look to the website. Grid based web designs provide some particular challenges for content management system basesd web site development, particularly where a multi-column layout feel is needed whilst working within current web standards and a strictly XHTML/CSS2 structure. Cross browser compatibility was also an area that needed careful attention. Javascript was used judiciously to achieve certain visual effects but we were careful to always provide a non-javascript alternative.

The end result (http://www.acdandc.org.uk) has proved to be a hit with its target audience. The branding work, including the website design, went on to win the Best in Show at the Cornwall Design Week. The nice thing is that it was voted for by the business community.