Lettering Large

The giant 125 square-meter mural challenges not only the static, one-perspective experience of walls, but also the mediums and production methods commonly used to execute artworks on vast vertical surfaces. The typography of statements, in English and Arabic, are designed based on a common modular grid system that is translated into three-dimensional fabricated units. The duo-faceted modules allow the wall to accommodate the two bilingual messages simultaneously, yet they are experienced separately based on the passer-by’s point of view: from the right the Arabic statement is decoded, from the left the English is decoded.

Lettering Large is a project of the College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD) at American University in Sharjah @wwwaus.edu supported by a grant from the US Mission in Dubai. The mural was part of the The USA Pavilion at Expo Dubai 2020, where it remains suspended on Opportunity Avenue.

Project Directors--
Hala Al Ani
Riem Ibrahim

Architect Consultant--
Bishoy Girgis

Copywriter--
Eman AlYousuf

Font Designers--
Nada AlYafei
Jarrett Fuller

Visual Identity & Publication Designer--
Marian Misiak

Student Assistants--
Lama Kadri
Leen Albaz
Rawan Aladl
Milania Philip