The Berkeley Lab logo is one of the Lab’s most recognizable symbols, instantly connecting our work to our historic roots at the University of California, Berkeley. At the heart of the design is a stylized depiction of the campanile, or Sather Tower, a UC Berkeley landmark. While the real tower features three rows of windows in its upper section, the version in the Lab’s logo shows only two—a deliberate design decision that blends symbolism, clarity, and practical use.
The Berkeley Lab logo’s campanile is intentionally stylized rather than a literal, detailed reproduction of the actual tower. This abstraction allows the design to work at many different sizes and in a variety of applications—from websites to letterhead to conference signage—while maintaining its instant recognizability. By simplifying the tower’s features, including reducing the number of windows, the design avoids visual clutter and creates a cleaner, more iconic silhouette.
“The campanile in our logo is not meant to be an architectural diagram,” says Caitlin Youngquist, CSO lead. “It’s a visual shorthand—a way to express our deep connection to UC Berkeley in a form that reproduces beautifully at any scale.”
The decision to use a simplified, two-window design also supports trademark and licensing requirements. The campanile is a trademarked symbol of UC Berkeley, and while Berkeley Lab has DOE- and UC-approved use of the image, the logo remains distinct enough to avoid infringement concerns. By abstracting the campanile, the Lab’s design preserves its symbolic link to the university while giving it a unique identity that belongs to the Lab.
In the end, the two-window campanile represents much more than an aesthetic choice. It reflects a careful balance of heritage, clarity, brand cohesion, and functional design—allowing Berkeley Lab to honor its connection to UC Berkeley while presenting a strong, distinctive identity of its own.
For more information about Berkeley Lab’s visual identity and logo guidelines, visit the Creative Services website.
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