Interview about Taichung Public Library Brand Identity, winner of the A' Graphics, Illustration and Visual Communication Design Award 2023
As the first building in Taiwan to combine an art museum and a library, the creation of the branding system of Taichung Public Library focus on the fusion of nature and civilization. The design philosophy emphasizes the seamless integration of modern architecture with natural elements and aims to evoke a sense of freshness and inquisitiveness. The branding system fosters an atmosphere that encourages visitors to delve into the diverse cultural experiences the Library offers and enjoy the balance between contemporary civilization and the tranquility of the forest.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsThe Taichung Public Library Brand Identity blends nature and civilization by reflecting both the building’s modern architecture and its connection to the surrounding park. This balance influenced my design choices, like using clean, structured lines alongside flowing, organic shapes in the logo. I wanted the visuals to represent the library’s role as a peaceful yet vibrant place where knowledge and community come together. The combination of these elements creates a brand that feels both modern and grounded in its natural environment.
The flowing pattern in the logo was inspired by the idea of diving into an ocean of books, representing the endless possibilities of knowledge. I wanted to soften the structured, blocky elements to make the design feel more dynamic and engaging. This fluid movement captures the excitement of discovery and learning while still connecting to the library’s modern, architectural style. It’s a way to visually reflect the library’s purpose as a space for exploration.
Designing for a building that isn’t open yet meant creating something timeless and adaptable. I focused on a design rooted in the library’s mission and its architectural features, ensuring it would stay relevant over the years. I also made the branding flexible enough to grow with the library, allowing it to evolve if needed. This way, the design stays meaningful even as the library itself takes shape.
The library’s location in the park directly influenced the branding. For example, the black block in the logo represents the library’s position within the park, anchoring it visually. I also used geometric fonts and layouts to reflect the building’s modern structure while adding design elements that feel open and inviting. Every detail was designed to connect the brand to the library’s physical space and purpose.
Including the Chinese character “Chung” in the logo was my way of honoring the city's name while keeping the design modern. I stylized the character to fit the geometric, block-based theme, blending tradition with contemporary design. This approach highlights Taichung’s cultural identity and positions the library as both rooted in history and forward-looking. It creates a brand that feels meaningful to the local community but also appealing globally.
To ensure the branding worked in all contexts, I created a flexible design system with core elements like the logo, color palette, and patterns. These elements adapt easily across different applications, like signage and merchandise, while still feeling connected. For example, the corner cuts from the logo were used as a recurring theme. This approach keeps everything recognizable and consistent no matter where it’s used.
I chose green and black for the color palette to represent nature and authority. Green reflects growth, calmness, and the library’s connection to the park, while black adds a sense of professionalism and trust. Together, these colors create a brand that feels approachable yet serious. It visually represents the library’s role as both a cultural and natural space.
The block shapes in the branding were inspired by the library’s square architectural design. These shapes mirror the building’s structure, creating a strong connection between the brand and the physical space. At the same time, the arrangement of the blocks suggests movement and interaction, reflecting the dynamic nature of learning. This approach ties the branding closely to the library’s identity.
The library’s dual purpose as both a library and art museum influenced the branding by combining quiet learning with creative energy. The flowing logo reflects this balance, symbolizing both the flow of knowledge and artistic inspiration. I wanted the branding to feel structured yet open to interpretation, just like the space itself. This duality captures the library’s unique role as a place for both study and creativity.
Winning the Bronze A'Design Award was a great honor because it recognized how the project balanced creativity and functionality. The branding connects with users through thoughtful choices, like the meaningful use of colors and the connection to the building’s architecture. Every design detail serves both an aesthetic and practical purpose, creating a brand that’s beautiful and useful. This combination of imagination and practicality makes the identity stand out.
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