The Academic Events Group, 3rd WORLD CONFERENCE on DESIGN, ARTS AND EDUCATION

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Designing Arabic Typeface Between global and traditional norms
mohamed hazem mohamed taha hussein abdalla

Last modified: 2014-04-09

Abstract


With the increased globalized visual systems in the Middle East, new demands arose in the Arabic graphic design. The severe extension of western commercial or cultural products created hybrid society with mixed needs and visual languages in the Arabic world. Numerous of western products have been promoted in attractive appearances-sometimes with local language, and even in local touch. Arabic designers were forced to follow imported styles and aesthetical norms by Icons, Symbols, and typefaces designs. For example, since 1920s and till today most of the Arabic typefaces are created out of Latin letterforms, i.e. by using matchmaking techniques, where both Arabic and Latin letterforms look identical. Even designers, who believe that Arabic letterforms are product of sacred Islamic art, directed their attention, not toward their inheritance but to Arts Nouveau, and create playful forms. The paper will not explain type design through national or international perspective, but furthermore to discuss solution for designing Arabic typeface that reflects today’s Arabic readings/recognizing habits. The hypostasis based on the belief that a combination between old Arabic stiff and rounded letterforms could create new functional typefaces without conflicting with the global visual norms.


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