Based in Dubai, co-founder of WTD Magazine, Lujain Abulfaraj is a Saudi-born graduate of Visual Communications, a course that inspired her exploration of Arabic typography and calligraphy. Driven by the lack of engaging education tools for children to learn Arabic, Abulfaraj’s productive projects facilitate learning. “I am excited to be showcasing my Tanween project - an annual design programme under Tashkeel - entitled Dhad,” she told MOJEH about her work for 2017's Dubai Design Week, “in which Arabic typography is scaled and converted into huge modular foam pieces for kids to interact with by playing, constructing and climbing.”
Abulfaraj has been an active member of Dubai Design Week ever since its first edition, and is proud to be involved in this year’s highly-anticipated schedule. “It’s a platform that promotes conversation from the different countries in the region and the elevation of design through process and experimentation,” she reveals, when asked why the event is so significant. With over 200 activities staged in locations across the city, the six-day event is set to be brimming with vivid expression and exceptional talent.
For Abulfaraj and Twothirds Design Studio, focus remains on the artistic details. “I enjoy playing with colours, textures and materials - and in that order! I draw inspiration from my environment and my surroundings. I find that spiritual beliefs, roots and language always inspire my design aesthetic.”
With so many world-renowned creatives flocking to the event, it’s hard to pick one must-see moment. “I’m looking forward to seeing Hamza Omari’s piece for the Middle East Emergent Designer Prize 2017. It’s a piece that’s meant to grow with the child. I feel like when it comes to design in the region, kids products are not given the attention they deserve.”
