The Latin American Library

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Above: The Codex Tulane

LOGO DESIGN - 2024

The Latin American Library at Tulane University is a specialized library within the Howard-Tilton Memorial Library on the Tulane University campus in New Orleans, Louisiana. It is one of the premier libraries in the United States for research on Latin American studies. The library boasts an extensive collection of materials from and about Latin America, including books, periodicals, manuscripts, and other resources. It supports research in a wide range of disciplines, from anthropology and history to political science and cultural studies.

The LAL recently celebrated its centennial, and as part of the celebrations, we were commissioned to create a new logo for them.

Latin America is endowed with a rich tapestry of history, so when it came to creating a memorable symbol for the University, we were spoiled for choice.

Our initial ideas enabled us to focus on what was of the utmost importance to represent.

The final design acknowledges the foundational collections of the library, figuratively represented by a pictograph of a jewel from the Codex Tulane, while anchored in a contemporary aesthetic. It captures the ethos of the LAL — the circle, traditionally a sign of universal knowledge, integrity, and completeness, is not closed in on itself but is rather playfully configured with the shapes of the letters L, A, and L, suggesting labyrinthine paths that are open-ended. This is a library that invites you to explore.