The introduction of synthetic materials and the digitization of signage over the past few decades have pushed out more traditional and craft-based signage techniques from the market, including calligraphy, gilded glass, and neon signs. There are only a few aging craftsmen who perfect these traditional techniques today. This module aimed to revive these declining crafts by combining new technology and materials with traditional methods to create new, contemporary designs. This was achieved through the pairing of high-end graphic designers with artisans from various crafts workshops, fostering collaboration and an exchange of knowledge and skills. The project also sought to help boost small businesses through a new visualization strategy and the redesign of their signage.

The module commenced in May 2023 in Port Said at two café sites: Paradise Café (the Billiard) and al-Bamboutya coffee shop in Port Said. Three community / public sites were later identified in Giza for updated signage: the Agouza Children’s Park, VeryNile initiative in Qursaya Island, and the Wadi El Horya sporting facility in Ard al-Liwa.

The designs were led by 40MUSTAQEL, Alaa El-Hadidi and Maha Hisham, and implemented by CLUSTER. A number of crafts workshops in Ard el-Liwa and Port Said along with ALFABRIKA in Ard al-Liwa were involved to produce and install the signage across the various sites. The project was supported by Wealth Inequality Initiative by the Julius Baer Foundation.