Doha, February 25 (QNA) - Liwan Design Studios and Labs announced Sunday the launch of the first printed edition of Al Journal a captivating compilation of essays, articles, and visuals that delve into contemporary design themes across the Southwest Asian and North African region and beyond.

Director of Liwan Design Studios and Labs Aisha bint Nasser Al Sowaidi said "We are thrilled to introduce the inaugural edition of Al Journal, a publication aimed at connecting local and global design voices. Our goal is to foster collaboration and encourage meaningful interactions at the crossroads of culture and design.

This platform will serve as a dynamic space for showcasing the multifaceted talents that contribute to the rich design landscape of our region. We hope you enjoy the first edition." She added that the launch event is set to take place in Liwan Design Studios and Labs on Feb. 27.

Al Journal will be published and printed every two years by Liwan Design Studios and Labs; a creative space housed in a historic midcentury building in Downtown Mshereib. Liwan is in an imaginatively repurposed historic building that was once the first school for girls in Qatar, founded by education pioneer Amna Mahmoud Al Jaida.

The original school, named Banat El Doha,?opened in the late 1950s, and over the years, it was renamed Umm Almo'mneen Primary School.

Keynote guests include leading Qatari architect Ibrahim M Jaidah and artist Lawrence Abu Hamdan, with performances from Radio AlHara, a Palestinian online radio station, and catering by Qatari food entrepreneur Mjay Al Thani.

There will also be two exhibitions by Studio Safar showcasing the design and branding journey for Al Journal and a unique poster display from YaHala Studio. (QNA)