Visual identity
The University of Lausanne logo emphasises the importance of criterion, the basis of all sciences whether human, natural or exact. Hand-drawn and scribbled, this image is both the expression of living knowledge and the symbol of the critical spirit that drives our institution.
The signature "le savoir vivant" affirms that knowledge is never static, but on the contrary acts like matter in perpétuel movement. Knowledge is constantly challenged thanks to the professors and researchers working in our institution. Knowledge is a journey that has a destination but never an end!
Use of the UNIL logo
The use of the logo is subject to the rules set out in our graphic charter. This document sets out our visual universe and ensures graphic consistency across all communication media and adds strength to the institution's identity across its faculties, institutes, departments, interdisciplinary centres and research groups.
Communicating as UNIL
If you would like to produce a brochure, invitation card, flyer or any other promotional document for your Unit or Faculty, please contact Unicom, UNIL's Communications Service, who will be happy to advise and assist you in your dealings with graphic designers or printers:
The history of the University of Lausanne logo
With a history spanning almost 500 years, the UNIL logo begins with a seal showing the Bernese origins and their domination of the Vaud region when the institution was founded in 1537. It was only in 1981 that the UNIL brand was born. And it was not until 2005 that the current logo and the distinctive turquoise blue and gold signs of the university appeared.
In 1537, Their Excellencies in Bern established a Protestant academy of philosophy in Lausanne. In this context, the symbolism of the first seal could not be clearer: a bear bringing a Gospel to its Waldensian subjects!
The Academy becomes the University of Lausanne. Its new seal features not only the coat of arms of the canton of Vaud, but also that of the city of Lausanne, accompanied by its two lions. The owl with its wings outstretched symbolises the knowledge that this noble institution disseminated.
To celebrate its 400th anniversary, the University of Lausanne wishes to reconnect with its origins and remind the world that it was first born as a school of philosophy and literature. Inspired by the portal of the cathedral in Lausanne, the new seal depicts Christ holding a book (a classic academic reference) and a piece of wheat. The legend explains its meaning: "When the seed is lifted, it will bear fruit a hundredfold" (according to the Gospel of Saint Luke 8.8).
In 1981, the administrative management decided to create the UNIL brand. This new logo will remain confidential.
Created by the Bataillard studio (which did it again a year later), the 450th anniversary commemorative medal combines tradition and renewal: the Ancienne Académie building and the Anthropole building, which was to be inaugurated the same year, share the limelight.
As a result, the 450th-century masonry was condemned to live for just one year. The seal was abandoned, and the emblematic silhouette of the cathedral became a permanent fixture for most of the city's services. The University is no exception, even though the green of its logo is also a reminder of its attachment to the canton.
With its seven faculties and schools, including numerous teaching and research units, its central services, dozens of associations, two regular publications (Allez Savoir and Uniscope), IT applications (Amarillo, Uniboard, etc.), transdisciplinary research projects (Anthropos, Triangle Azur, etc.), the University of Lausanne was well ahead of its time.), and transdisciplinary research projects (Anthropos, Triangle Azur, etc.), the University of Lausanne was well over the 60-logo mark. This abundance obviously posed a serious image problem. For this reason, most of these logos have been unified, with the exception of associations and inter-university units (Centre sportif, SIB, etc.).
The logo of the University of Lausanne combines modernity and tradition. It is dynamic, clear and simple, making it easy to identify. The signature emphasises the importance of criterion, the basis of all sciences, whether human, natural or exact. Hand-drawn and scribbled, it is both the image of living knowledge and the symbol of the critical spirit that drives our institution.
Resources
-
UNIL graphic charter (Edition 2023) (2,278KB, .pdf)
The Graphic Charter contains all the graphic details relating to printed matter and visual communication elements.
-
UNIL pictogram library (59,608KB, .zip)
These small hand-drawn pictures, which complement each of the visuals, act as a distinctive sign of the University of Lausanne. Their abundance expresses the research and development of ideas, the complexity and natural diversity of our institution.