San Diego Central Library

[CASE STUDY] Opened in Summer 2013, the new San Diego Central library serves as a multi-dimensional learning platform rivaling top institutions in the country. Facing the rapid pace of technological change, the library wanted to introduce a brand identity that embodies this new age of learning advancements. The look and feel embodies the beauty of the architecture, wide open and radiant, fluidly touching all aspects of the user experience. The convivial aesthetic of the logo also reflects a state-of-the-art core with pieces coming together forming a metaphor for community gathering at the iconic dome. A dynamic color system gives the brand flexibility offering opportunities for innovation in the marketplace. A range of library card options is the first step to create an affable library experience with a variety of different colors and patterns.
Once inside, the brand becomes a large part of the user experience providing access to a library app with catalog information, video access, research resources, an interactive map and much more. Environmental branding immerses patrons through the use of colors, materials and furniture installations that create welcoming space spaces. The technological highlight of the new library are interactive information stations using the latest multi-touch display technology coupled with a research algorithm that gathers information from multiple databases, creating a four layer learning interface (user -> touch -> word -> visual).