A recent lecture hosted by Qatar National Library highlighted the successful Syrian Design Archive project and how it is rapidly evolving into a valuable historical resource for preserving the various forms of Syria’s unique design heritage.
The online lecture on 16 May featured Kinda Ghannoum, Sally Alassafen, and Hala Alafsaa, members of the talented team behind the Syrian Design Archive. It was attended by documentary heritage specialists and preservation enthusiasts worldwide, affirming the Library’s efforts to support and preserve the extraordinary cultural and documentary heritage in Arab countries through its role as the IFLA Regional Center for the Arab Region and the Middle East.
The Syrian Design Archive has become a success in a short space of time, documenting and making available a range of printed and non-printed forms such as movies, stamps, books, flyers, vintage shop signs, and more. The archive allows people to relive the past era through shapes and elements that influenced their lives, and, importantly, allows new generations to experience the past which may otherwise be inaccessible or at risk.
During the lecture, the team shared their insights into the digital archive’s history, achievements, and objectives. Ghannoum, a multidisciplinary designer, and Alassafen, an architect, co-founded the non-profit, documentary project with the aim of preserving graphic design elements and visuals, including Arabic typography. The team discussed the challenges they faced while developing the archive as well as their future plans for the project. The archive ultimately aims to create an open resource for researchers and students seeking to know the history of Syrian graphic design formation.
Speaking after the event, Kinda Ghannoum said: “Our appreciation to Qatar National Library for offering us this forum to share our efforts on the role that archiving can play in preserving cultural heritage. In an age of rapid technological evolution, the Syrian Design Archive is a celebration of the unique design practices that have helped shape Syria’s cultural vision. It preserves the country’s graphic design legacy that would otherwise be lost to future generations.”
Commenting on these efforts, Stephane Ipert, Director of Distinctive Collections at the Library, said: “As a center for the preservation of documentary heritage, Qatar National Library is pleased to highlight and encourage unique initiatives that preserve the region’s rich history. A large number of events and lectures have been organized to shed light on these efforts in the region, discuss challenges and provide a platform for specialists and experts to exchange experiences, visions and best practices. We were pleased to host the founding team of the Syrian Design Archive project to benefit from their experience and to have them share their insights with the audience, especially in the Arab region and the Middle East.”
The Library regularly hosts educational and informative events that promote the preservation of regional heritage and foster contemporary cultural awareness. To stay updated, please visit the Events page at qnl.qa/en/events.
