Musashino Art University Rebrand (Concept)
Musashino Art University (MAU) is recongnized as one of Japan’s premier art institutions, renowned for nurturing numerous world-famous alumni, including luminaries such as Kenya Hara, Satoshi Kon, Yuko Shimizu, etc. The remarkable works and achievements of these masters serve as a constant source of inspiration for me, fostering a special affection for MAU.
The existing logo, while emblematic of MAU’s prestigious reputation, struck me as overly rigid and authoritative. Recognizing an opportunity to breathe new life into it and align it with the institution’s vibrant spirit of imagination and innovation, I approached the redesign with a vision to capture the essence of MAU as a dynamic hub where artistic visions take flight and aspirations come to fruition.
Instructor Mary Yang
Design Ziqi Cai
Identity, Logo
A Torii Gate (鸟居) is a traditional Japanese gate most commonly found at the entrance of or within a shrine, symbolically marking the transition from the mundane to the sacred.
At Musashino Art University, modernized versions of these gateways and frame structures are frequently seen.
By folding it in different ways, the planar structure can transform into various three-dimensional configurations, thus giving rise to the potential logo mark.
The frame structure of the logo mark offers flexibility across all collateral applications. It can adapt to various configurations to showcase artworks and information, or serve as a grid, shaping the contents accordingly.
