Barack Obama Presidential Library Identity

The Beginning

The project’s inception was inspired by the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights, focusing on how these documents were created by the people, for the people. Reflecting this, the design aimed to make the Barack Obama Presidential Library a place that could adapt to the needs of its community—a flexible, responsive institution. Just as the Bill of Rights sets a framework for freedom and service to the public, the library is a central hub where visitors can access whatever they need.

Research

To understand how presidential libraries serve their communities, the team studied public institutions and contacted established libraries like the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library. Inspired by the Carter Library’s programs—including speaker series with experts on national and global issues and family events celebrating holidays—the team envisioned OPL as a community-focused space. These insights guided the development of adaptable spaces within OPL to host educational talks and inclusive events that engage visitors of all ages.

Information Gathering

During this phase, the team collected detailed operational data from other libraries, examining aspects from attendance to programming and meal offerings. A key realization emerged: many libraries need a cohesive, story-driven approach to connecting each visitor experience element. This understanding shaped the OPL identity system, ensuring that every detail—design elements, signage, and organizational choices—would contribute to a unified story, creating a more immersive and meaningful experience for visitors.

The Trip

During a visit to the Bill Clinton Presidential Library, the team observed a vibrant community atmosphere, highlighted by a hill where children played and slid down on cardboard boxes. This playful interaction underscored that a presidential library can be more than a historical exhibit; it can be a lively, welcoming space for community engagement and enjoyment. Inspired by this, the team envisioned OPL as a place where visitors of all ages could connect, learn, and find moments of joy and relaxation.

The Process

In creating OPL’s identity, inspired by Daniel Burnham’s historic plan for Chicago, the team envisioned the library as the city’s intellectual epicenter. Using concentric circles and movement motifs, the design symbolized knowledge radiating outward, fostering a flow of ideas from the library into the city. This visual approach aligned with the library’s mission as a place where the community could unite, exchange ideas, and collectively move forward.

The Final Concept

The central idea of a waterdrop, symbolizing knowledge and impact radiating outward, was woven into multiple design elements. Typography was set along concentric circles, reinforcing the ripple effect and giving a sense of continuous movement. The team retained the original campaign typography and color scheme to evoke the historic Obama campaign, connecting the library’s identity to its namesake’s legacy. The waterdrop motif also appeared across various branded items, unifying all materials under the concept of outward-reaching impact.

The End

As the project drew to a close, the team compiled their vision for the Barack Obama Presidential Library into a comprehensive book, capturing every detail from initial research to final design concepts. The presentation to the Executive Director of the Obama Foundation marked a significant achievement, bringing the library’s potential to life. With a design inspired by historical principles, community programs, and the dynamic energy of Chicago, the team presented a library identity that symbolized outreach, adaptability, and collective progress. With its unified identity and waterdrop ripple motif, this final concept embodied the library’s purpose as a responsive, inclusive place where the community could gather, learn, and grow together.