Remembering and Honoring 9/11- The Power of Brand Identity

Landor 9/11 Memorial Logo

I think that brands get a bad wrap sometimes. Many people see brands as big business and about superficial things. Often they are viewed seen are more expensive. We've all heard the term"brand" versus "generic". But I think most people forget that brands don't have to be selling something.

The 9/11 Memorial logo and entire identity package is a representation of this. Landor first started working with the National September 11 Memorial & Museum back in July 2007. They first donated their strategic expertise to the Memorial and Museum, proving that good design does not have to have a high price tag and that profit should not be the only indicator of a companies success.

I think this quote by Alina Wheeler starts to shed light on why logos specifically have such a power over people. "Humanity has always used symbols to express fierce individuality, pride, loyalty and ownership. The power of symbols remains elusive and mysterious-a simple form can instantaneously trigger recall and arouse emotion, whether it is emblazoned on a flag, etched in store, or in the screen of your cell phone." 

What ALL symbols and their brands have in common is they are rooted in the idea of promise. They are the big idea that is bigger than ourselves. And on this day, the 10th anniversary of September 11, 2011, the 9/11 Memorial brand identity and everything that goes along with it is a shinning example of how we can utilize design to make sure the events and people and families of 9/11 are always remembered. 

Landor 9/11 Printed Material

Landor 9/11 Printed Material