At the end of 2011 this blog is born to create a connecting, digital and cross-borders space for Arabic signage, wayfinding and information design. This blog is to compile visual communication, typography and script knowledge all around Arabic, and multi-script place making. 2011 was an extraordinary year for the Middle East: the region has changed. The world has witnessed cultural and political processes within this geographical hotspot, one only dreamed of before. With new information technology the Middle East is transforming, there are now demonstrations, revolutions, and at the forefront are the people and their inner utmost dreams to change their countries and lives – an admirable process of defining new identities full of passion and love.
Arabic signs serve this process as a platform for a region where different cultures, languages and typography meets, a space to exchange the ingredients and values of place-making.
This blog is a platform for contributions, curated by Julia Petretta. With a design degree from Mannheim, Germany, Julia lived and worked in Egypt started learning Arabic (MSA) and studied some Arabic Calligraphy. After a Masters of Arts in typeface design from the University of Reading, Julia lived and worked some time in the UK and Kenya. Her most immediate interest revolves around intercultural communication, bridging perspectives, yet preserving diversity. Working in visual communication, typography, information design and wayfinding, she has been a research and design associate working in an Arabic signage collaboration project with academia and a signage company. She is a member of IIID, SDS and AtypI, and as such likes to connect various disciplines.
