LUMBINI MUSEUM
Lumbini Development was a significant project commissioned by the Nepalese Government to promote Lumbini as the birthplace of Sakyamuni Buddha. Designed in late 1970’s as a part of Lumbini Development Master Plan by Japanese architect Kenzo Tange, Lumbini Museum is a part of the Cultural Center and New Lumbini Village. The museum has recently been renovated with an aim to create a world class space for Buddhist studies, archeology and other sacred artifacts. This museum will juxtapose modern and traditional art, new and old interpretations of Buddhism and religion as a whole.
BRANDING Image Ark was commissioned to brand this reimagined museum with a distinctive visual identity that represents what it would mean in the present times.
We toyed with several concepts, including using the traditional Nepali scripts. But in the end we opted for a bold and modern approach with the letters L U M B I N I following the iconic arches of the museum bundled into a square creating both path and spaces. This symbol suggests the many possible path to enlightenment, freedom of thought and the large space that spirituality still occupies in our lives. It is very bold, graphic and adaptable.
The colour palette is loosely connected to colours used in Buddhist flags and the sacred arts of Thangkas and Paubhas.
CHALLENGES The challenge of this assignment was to present a modern image of the Lumbini Museum without adversely affecting the sacred nature of the artifacts it will contain. We opted for a contemporary design to bring attention to the relevance of Buddhism throughout history and the role that Nepal (red and white logo) played in that history. Our designs are a mix of digital technology and hand drawn illustrations. We used local handmade paper to bring texture and authenticity to the collaterals.
Brand Strategy and Design, Exhibition Design CLIENT: Buddha Foundation, Nepal SECTOR: Art & Culture YEAR: 2017 to present