CHIRI logo and cherry energy tree.

The Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute’s (CHIRI’s) logo was inspired by a Japanese artist’s depiction of a cherry energy tree.

CHIRI sounds a little like ‘cherry’, but it was the story behind the energy tree that resonated with CHIRI’s Director, John Mamo.

“I wanted a logo that reflected the intent and work of the institute – our focus is on diseases that occur with older age but our intention is not only to increase longevity but also quality of life,” John said.

“I was reading some notes by the artist that explained the significance of the cherry energy tree. They said if a cherry tree was well cared for, it could bear fruit for hundreds of years. I thought, wow that captures everything we are trying to do here at CHIRI.”

In the original drawing the tree was slightly bowed, which depicts ageing, but facing forward in a positive direction, which is symbolic of moving positively forward. Hence, the symbolism of the Japanese cherry energy tree was considered to reflect the forward-thinking nature of the institute and its research.

A Danish designer minimalised the cherry energy tree, providing a simple logo design that is as memorable as the story behind it.

John said, “I hope that when people see the logo, they will think about CHIRI’s commitment to improving the quality of life of our ageing population, its spirit of innovation and its forward-thinking culture – that’s what CHIRI and our logo stand for.”