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Serie01.32 Shapes: The Story of Juzur’s First Freestanding Arabic Letters

The journey of Juzurproject’s Serie01.32 Shapes began with an unexpected purchase, waste beech wood, rich in character, waiting to be transformed. In Tripoli, North Lebanon, the city known for its deep and rich artisanal culture, we met a young, passionate woodcarver who shared our vision of reviving traditional craftsmanship. This encounter marked the start of a project that would merge heritage with sustainability, shaping letters that carry both history and innovation.

From playdough to precision 

Before the first piece of wood was carved, the design process began in the most hands-on, intuitive way possible. The architect behind Juzurproject, who is myself, sculpted the first models in playdough feeling out the balance of each letter. These organic shapes were then translated into detailed hand drawings. From there, every curve and edge was digitized, refining the forms while maintaining the essence of handcrafted artistry.

Choosing the right size.

One of the most critical decisions in the development of Serie01 was choosing the right size. It had to be the smallest adequate scale that could skillfully and safely be  shaped by hand, taking in consideration :

Openings & negative spaces that define the drawing of each letter with precision. Volume & balance , ensuring the letters stand harmoniously in any setting. Edges & curves giving this true organic feel of Arabic letters 

The Power of Connection: Material, Maker, and Designer

Each letter is the result of a profound collaboration between material, maker, and designer. This dialogue between the natural characteristics of the wood, the artisan’s expertise, and the architect’s vision ensures that every piece is structurally sound while maintaining its artistic integrity.

The process involves cutting, carving, and polishing by hand,  a sequence of action that defines the final outcome.

Each letter is carefully sculpted to achieve a  balance between strength and elegance,  allowing it to stand freely while preserving its organic essence. The unique grain, subtle imperfections, and meticulous hand-finishing ensure the uniqueness of each product,  no two pieces are ever identical.

This authenticity, born from an honest connection between material, maker, and designer, ensures that each letter carries its own distinct presence, shaped by craftsmanship rather than mass production.

JUZUR's Serie01 is more than a collection of freestanding Arabic letters. It is a tribute to language, craftsmanship, and sustainability, a testament to the power of human collaboration in a world increasingly dominated by machines.

Explore the collection and experience the essence of handmade Arabic letters , with Love      

 

 Joanne Hennaoui Audi 

Architect | Founder of Juzurproject