Visual Identity for the Smith Learning Theater
The Smith Learning Theater is an experimental multimedia space located on the fourth floor of the Gottesman Libraries at Teachers College, Columbia University. It is intended for educators, students and researchers to explore different modes of teaching and learning. The Design Team at EdLab was tasked to create a logo for the Smith Learning Theater. As a designer on the team, I played a key role in developing the logo and visual identity from concept to finish.
Design Process
These were the initial brainstorming boards. The team had the freedom to explore any style and imagery, as we weren’t given a specific direction or idea to follow. We got together and wrote down all the keywords we could think of based on what we knew about Teachers College, the Gottesman Libraries and the Smith Learning Theater, which was still under construction at the time.
Early Sketches
Among the keywords we had written down, each member of the Design Team explored their own vision. Below are some of my early iterations.
Semifinal Round
As the project progressed, Zoe and I received clearer directions from the director of the library. The box theme and three-dimensionality were received well, so we explored more in that direction.
Final Round
More refined sketches created by Zoe and myself. The second option from this round caught the eye of the director of the library, and was finalized into what is currently the logo of the Smith Learning Theater.
