Connecting libraries from the past, present and future.
Drawing from a rich heritage of journeys, experiences and learning dating back to the 16th century, we shaped a visual identity and website to present libraries as enduring spaces for social connection, knowledge sharing and sanctuary.
Research
Scope
• Branding
• Website Design
• Mapping
• Animations
Connecting libraries from the past, present and future.
Drawing from a rich heritage of journeys, experiences and learning dating back to the 16th century, we shaped a visual identity and website that embodied libraries as enduring spaces for social connection, knowledge sharing and sanctuary.
Scope
• Branding • Animations
• Website Design • Mapping
The Global Library project brings together old stories and new voices.
Run in partnership between researchers at the University of East Anglia (UEA) and Norfolk Libraries, the project follows in the footsteps of Anglo-Scottish scholars, poets, and merchants who travelled between 1500 and 1700 to libraries from Aleppo to Massachusetts.
At the same time, the project looks at how libraries continue to be welcoming, safe spaces for all, including refugee communities, showing how their role as spaces of sanctuary has endured across centuries.
The Global Library project brings together old stories and new voices. Run in partnership between researchers at the University of East Anglia (UEA) and Norfolk Libraries, the project follows in the footsteps of Anglo-Scottish scholars, poets, and merchants who travelled between 1500 and 1700 to libraries from Aleppo to Massachusetts. At the same time, the project looks at how libraries continue to be welcoming, safe spaces for all, including refugee communities, showing how their role as spaces of sanctuary has endured across centuries.
Inspired by libraries as global sanctuaries of knowledge, the visual identity blends trust and calm through a heritage palette of earthy tones and deep purples, reinforcing a sense of serenity. A new logo mark, rooted in the form of an open book, reflects the Global Library’s mission to share research and knowledge. The accessible entrance design speaks to inclusivity, welcoming all communities into the shared space. A key website feature highlights the remarkable journeys of diplomats. From the Ottoman Empire to North Africa, over 20 bespoke maps were meticulously researched and illustrated, capturing the spirit of exploration. With flexibility in mind, the site also supports the growth of creative and practical courses in Norwich libraries, while offering best practice guidance, case studies and resources for practitioners, refugees and asylum seekers.
Inspired by libraries as global sanctuaries of knowledge, the visual identity blends trust and calm through a heritage palette of earthy tones and deep purples, reinforcing a sense of serenity.
A new logo mark, rooted in the form of an open book, reflects the Global Library’s mission to share research and knowledge. The accessible entrance design speaks to inclusivity, welcoming all communities into the shared space.
A key website feature highlights the remarkable journeys of diplomats. From the Ottoman Empire to North Africa, over 20 bespoke maps were meticulously researched and illustrated, capturing the spirit of exploration.
With flexibility in mind, the site also supports the growth of creative and practical courses in Norwich libraries, while offering best practice guidance, case studies and resources for practitioners, refugees and asylum seekers.
To see the Global Library website, follow this link here: Global Library website
'Despite the complexity of our brief, the team invested the time to understand what we stood for before presenting us with insightful and creative concepts. The result? An inclusive visual identity that expresses the library’s significance across time as both a sanctuary and haven for learning.'
“Icon’s vision and creative flair have helped make our undergraduate campaign a huge success; we have seen significant increases in prospectus distribution, up 30% on the previous year in some areas of the U.K. and a subsequent rise in open day bookings.”
Gemma Williamson,
Head of Marketing, Digital and Creative Services,
Swansea University