LDA is a non-profit initiative that seeks to enable knowledge production about Libyan design and its history through a framework of collecting, digitizing, and displaying.
LDA aims to provide an open and accessible platform for graphic items to the public to counter the parallel, inaccessible, and non-existent physical archive of the second half of the 20th century.
Preserving the
Visual Soul
of Libya
The Libyan Design Archive (LDA) is more than just a collection; it is a vital bridge to our past. In a landscape where physical archives are often inaccessible or lost, this project serves as a digital sanctuary for Libya's rich design history.
By digitizing and displaying graphic items from the second half of the 20th century, we ensure that the creative labor of previous generations is not forgotten. This project is essential for reclaiming our narrative and providing an open resource for students, designers, and historians.
Securing the Identity
Understanding our visual heritage is fundamental to knowing the true Libyan identity. It allows the next generations to see the world through the eyes of their ancestors and build a future that is authentically Libyan.
Strength in
Community
Contribution is the heartbeat of this archive. Every shared logo, poster, or stamp helps fill the gaps in our collective memory.
Collect
Finding gems in daily life
Digitize
Bringing the physical to digital
Share
Making history accessible
Hasan Issa
Hasan Issa is a designer deeply passionate about the intersection of design, history, and cultural preservation. For Hasan, this project is more than a professional endeavor—it is a personal mission to safeguard the visual remnants of Libyan society.
Driven by a desire to reconnect with his roots, Hasan began documenting the graphic culture he saw disappearing around him. He realized that without a dedicated effort to archive these materials, a significant portion of Libya's modern history would be lost to time.
His commitment to this archive is rooted in the belief that design is a powerful tool for identity. By showcasing the work of Libyan designers from the past, he hopes to inspire a new generation to take pride in their heritage and continue the legacy of Libyan creative excellence.
Philosophy
"To design the future, we must first document the past."