The different versions of the AUB logo used since the University's establishment have incorporated deeply rooted and visually iconic elements widely associated with the University. The redesigned logo makes an effort to preserve these elements, and in some ways to reinforce them, while modernizing other areas to reflect the University's contemporary look. One such element is the wax seal, which has been in use since the early 1900s. The logo has evolved from the crafted wax seal of those early times to the current digital version, while preserving its iconic elements, including the wax contour, the cedar tree, Arabic calligraphy and the official colors (black, red and green).
The AUB logo has traditionally carried deeply rooted and visually iconic elements that are widely associated with the University. The redesigned logo makes an effort to preserve these iconic elements, and in some ways to reinforce them, while modernizing other elements of the logo to reflect the University's contemporary look.
Proportions
The overall shape of the logo is less elongated, and more squarely and robustly built. The inside proportions are intended to reduce visual fragmentation and present the logo in a more organic and continuous fashion, namely between the type (initials, Latin, and Arabic) and the visual elements. The AUB initials are tightly connected to the bottom line of the cedar tree, which symbolizes the historical roots of the institution.
The Rising Sun Concept
The emblem now features less clutter, focusing on the iconic cedar tree, the historical wax seal contour and the date of the institution's founding. The authentic, rugged part of the wax contour has been refined into a semi- ring representing a rising sun. All text has been removed from the inside emblem except for the founding year which now sits on top in a more settled, prominent fashion.
Cedar Tree
The AUB logo's cedar tree has been iconic to the AUB community. The current logo preserves the general shape while adding a few refinements (lines, edges and proportions to improve balance) and extending the root to signify the deep root concept while appearing more confident.
Arabic Calligraphy
The Arabic calligraphy in the AUB logo is another iconic aspect of the University's identity and history. The current version, done by a professional calligrapher, maintains the Thuluth font used in the original logo, while studying the space to confine it into a more defined block area, and with less vertical space to make it more compatible with the more streamlined logo. Furthermore, this style of calligraphy blends well with its Latin serif counterpart.
Typography- The AUB Initials
The typographical choice also makes an effort to preserve the visual spirit of the previous logo while simultaneously offering a more modern look and a more versatile font that illustrates better the name of the University. The MetaSerif Pro font has been selected to replace Century Old Style. This font features a stronger presence and studied character spaces with fluid, yet neater curves.
Typography- Title
The current logo spreads the name of the University over a single line for better visual accessibility and neater look. The use of the current font enhances the spaces and gives a more solid aspect to the type.
Colors
The logo colors have also been preserved with minor enhancements. A deeper evergreen color has been used for the cedar tree and the original red of the seal contour remains.
AUB Logo: concise version
The AUB logo constitutes the main element of the University’s visual identity system.
There are two versions of the logo. The full version of the logo includes the name of the University spelled out in both English and Arabic at the bottom. The concise version consists of the seal, the tree and the acronym only.
The full version of the AUB logo must be used for official University stationery as well as on both the internal and external websites. Examples of the stationery are included in the Stationery section of this website.
The concise version of the logo may appear on mediums such as brochures, leaflets, banners, posters, and on merchandise items including shirts, uniforms, and promotional items. It is also available for digital use such as digital presentations.
The logo, either the full or the concise version, must be used on all official AUB communications in accordance with some basic guidelines explained on the following web pages.
General Guidelines
- Modifications to the AUB logo are not permitted.
- Rearranging the various elements of the AUB logo is not allowed.
- The alignment of any element of the AUB logo must not be changed.
- The AUB logo must not be tilted or rotated.
- The AUB logo may appear in its specified color, in black, or in white. Other colors must not be used.
- The graphic part of the logo, the seal and the tree, may be used as design elements. The color restrictions mentioned above do not apply in such cases. The elements may appear in colors other than their original colors, black or white. As seen in the Stationery section, the back of the official business card is an example of such use.