The value of bilingual typography and its implications are at the core interests of prominent and emerging designers in the region. Bilingualism in visual communication is becoming an imperative approach in design praxis. Diane Mikhael introduces the new publication, ‘Bilingualism in Visual Communication’, which showcases an amalgam of historical accounts, concepts and design practices in pairing the Arabic and Latin scripts.

The 15 minute film will consist of six interviews with Jordanian architects, each of whom will discuss one of the winning projects for the 2016 (13th) Cycle of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture. The film screening will be followed by a conversation between Farrokh Derakhshani, the Director of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture (Geneva); Mohammad al-Asad, the Founding Director of the Center for the Study of the Built Environment in Amman (CSBE) and a member of the Steering Committee for the 2016 cycle of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture; and Ahmad Humeid, founder and CEO of Syntax Digital.

Omniplan’s first ever V-Ray Day in Jordan will feature sessions on all the latest and expected releases, and a sneak peek at future developments. Participants learn about V-Ray for Revit and the coming V-Ray 3 for Rhino and SketchUp.

Huda Abifares speaks about the relevance of type design research for creating culturally relevant communication, sustaining heritage and urban environments, and developing culturally-sensitive products. She discusses projects by The Khatt Foundation that focus on open-platform, exchange and collaboration, and education as case studies for a potential model of operation.

The talk will discuss an ongoing agenda, “Almost Natural”, through situating it as a critique towards ongoing green building practices and how a blurring between the natural and synthetic offers an alternative attitude towards building and construction in the Anthropocene.

How can the act of making help promote economic growth, bring communities closer together, and overcome a variety of social issues? In this panel discussion, chaired by the editor of Crafts magazine, Grant Gibson, speakers from Disarming Design from Palestine, The Jordan River Foundation, the Princess Taghrid Foundation explain how craft is capable of making a difference, highlighting the power of collaboration and sustainable programs in craft.

Designer May Khoury gives a talk about Badr Adduja’s concept and upcycling vision. Join May Khoury to learn the story behind each piece of design, a process in which she modernizes and changes the purpose of old traditional heritage pieces, while preserving their authenticity.