The Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) is the education faculty of the University of Toronto, operating as an academic unit within the university. Its official name is “The Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto” in English and “Institut d’études pédagogiques de l’Ontario de l’Université de Toronto” in French.[1]
Design and History
The OISE symbol was originally designed by Leslie Smart in 1969.[2] Smart, known professionally as Leslie (Sam) Smart, was a British-born typographer and graphic designer who emigrated to Canada in 1954. He incorporated his practice as Leslie Smart and Associates in 1966, specializing in book design and typography.[3] Smart was a co-founder of the Society of Typographic Designers of Canada in 1956 and served as its first president.[3]
As part of the University of Toronto, OISE uses the university’s official signature, which consists of two elements: the crest and the wordmark. The university’s visual identity guidelines require that this signature always appear exactly as designed and never be altered.[1]
Meaning and Symbolism
In 2021, the OISE lobby and entrance underwent a renewal designed by Gow Hastings Architects. The project included new branding and signage that promotes both the University of Toronto and OISE brands. The entrance features a perforated sign with an internally illuminated screen and oversized OISE letters that reference the native copper used by Indigenous groups in the Great Lakes region for thousands of years.[4] The design was guided by Indigenous Design Consultant Two Row Architect to infuse Indigenous knowledge and perspectives into the building.[4]
Within the renewed lobby, a floor-to-ceiling “Dish with One Spoon” Wampum belt serves as a focal point, symbolizing the importance of respect and responsibility for shared land. The floor and ceiling are inspired by the four directions and celestial bodies, with lights forming the pattern of the Pleiades star cluster on the ceiling and a copper-coloured cross on the floor aligning with the cardinal directions.[4]
Typography and Design
Smart’s design philosophy emphasized restraint and clarity. He argued that form must follow function and that each design must directly reflect its content, product, or service. He sought a “Scandinavian” simplicity, viewing intelligent restraint as “good discipline.”[3] His work was influenced by British typographic traditions, which moderated the impact of German and Swiss design thinking on his approach.[3]
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