Decode Zillij
Hadil Bensaid
Antwerpen, België
About
I am Hadil, a Moroccan-Belgian graphic designer. In my practice, I explore Moroccan visual language, with a specific focus on Islamic geometry within zillij. This traditional visual language serves as a starting point for developing my own contemporary design style.
My work is driven by the question: “Where does this visual language stand today?” Through digital research and design, I translate historical patterns and structures into contemporary visual systems that extend and evolve the tradition.
In my master’s project, I add an additional layer to this exploration: I investigate how this geometric visual language can be used not only artistically, but also educationally. I am interested in how Moroccan visual culture can be made more accessible to young people and young adults, so they can reconnect with cultural heritage and identity through design.
Project
Decode Zillij is a participatory and educational design project inspired by the geometric visual language of Moroccan zillij. Zillij is a traditional mosaic art form in which small geometric tiles come together to form complex patterns. Due to its intricate geometric and mathematical structure, zillij can sometimes feel difficult or distant. This project explores how this visual language can be made more accessible in a simple, playful, and creative way.
The project translates the complex structure of zillij into a series of drawing templates based on Islamic geometric shapes and patterns found within Moroccan zillij. By presenting these forms individually, users can trace, combine, and repeat them to gradually build up patterns step by step.
The booklet includes exercises in which users reconstruct existing zillij patterns to gain insight into how these geometric compositions are formed. From this foundation, they are invited to experiment further and develop their own patterns and compositions. Experimentation and discovery are central to the process. It also provides a brief introduction to zillij and Islamic geometry, as well as the meaning of different forms. It also contains simple instructions, exercises, and example patterns that users can follow or further expand upon.
Decode Zillij functions as an accessible design system that combines learning with creativity and participation. Through drawing, repetition, and composition, users are invited not only to observe zillij, but to actively engage with it. The project aims to offer an initial step toward cultural connection, creative exploration, and an intuitive and playful understanding of geometric visual language.