Maya Moumne & Hatem Imam – Lebanon
Founders of Studio Safar and Journal Safar
Studio Safar is a Beirut-based design agency and publisher (est 2012). The studio adopts an experimental approach to design. Evoked by its name, the studio is concerned with notions of communication across cultural and linguistic barriers. Projects span different media and design frameworks such as communication strategies, publications, visual identities, exhibitions and sets, and websites. Most of the work services the extended cultural sector, and is engaged in social and political discourse. As opposed to having a signature style, the studio is committed to creating singular design solutions for each collaboration. While drawing on a number of artistic and cultural influences and inspirations, research remains central to the design process. The studio collaborates with a network of creatives from a wide array of fields.
The studio publishes the biannual and bilingual (Arabic/English) design and visual culture journal, Safar. The magazine answers to the lack of critical writings on design in the global south, and it works towards acknowledging designers as active agents of cultural production. The studio is also expanding into publishing books on design in the region.