Nation Station : A Symbol of Hope

A Station for the Nation

In the aftermath of the Beirut port explosion on August 4, 2020, an abandoned gas station in Geitawi became a gathering place for volunteers and residents. What began as an emergency relief initiative gradually grew into Nation Station, a community-driven organization bringing people together through food, solidarity, and support.

Before approaching the visual identity, Labaki Studio spent several days volunteering on-site, taking part in daily activities and experiencing the organization from within.

People of different ages, nationalities, and backgrounds worked side by side, united by empathy and compassion. This immersion offered a deeper understanding of the relationships and everyday interactions at the heart of the community.

Giving Everyone a Voice

The people behind the station became active participants in the research process. Through a series of written exercises, the studio listened to members and volunteers, inviting them to share their experiences, stories, and aspirations for the future.

A graffiti wall asked, "In one word, what does Nation Station mean to you?" Responses ranged from family and safety to hope and belonging.

The research concluded with a collaborative research tool alongside co-founder Josephine Abou Abdo, ranking and discussing the core values. Inclusivity and openness emerged as guiding principles, providing a foundation for the visual identity

Different Voices, One Identity

The diversity encountered throughout the research inspired a bilingual identity that reflects these shared values :

For the logotype, Inline Arabic (ArabicTypography / Tarek Atrissi), with its modern, open and inviting letterforms, was paired with Aeonik (Cotype), a contemporary Latin typeface.

The deliberate choice of digital Arabic type over traditional calligraphy prioritizes readability across cultures and platforms, essential for an NGO reaching an international audience.

Both scripts share equal prominence and visual weight, reflecting the idea that everyone belongs on equal terms.

The flexibility of Arabic script also allowed for experimentation with kashida (letter elongation), extending letterforms to reinforce the idea of connection and togetherness.

For the supporting typography, Gawhar (Heheh Type) was selected for its readability across different sizes and platforms, while Formula (Pangram Pangram) brings a dynamic Latin counterpart.

The two typefaces work together as a unified system, allowing Arabic and English to be read as one message, ensuring that everyone feels included, regardless of language.

An Identity That Adapts

As the station's activities and needs evolve, so must its visual language. The mouneh's packaging illustrates this approach. The branding provides a consistent framework, while handwritten labels accommodate changing products and producers, leaving room for individual contributions without losing coherence.

A Nod to the Origins

It also maintains a subtle homage to the station's beginnings. An illustrated fuel nozzle references the former gas station, appearing on selected items such as the back of T-shirts and the team's notebooks.

This detail pays tribute to the site's history and its transformation into a welcoming space for community, solidarity, and collective action.

The Heart of the House

The branding emerged from a process of observation, participation, and dialogue. By exploring the values and everyday realities, research guided design decisions beyond aesthetic choices.

At its heart lies a simple idea, expressed through one of the community's main slogan: "The kitchen is the heart of the house."

More than a place to prepare food, this space brings people together, reflecting the very spirit of Nation Station.

A reminder that meaningful design begins with understanding what it stands for and whom it serves.