Svenja Völker
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CONCEPT

With (un)known, we aim to foster a deeper intercultural understanding by amplifying voices that often go unheard. Each issue explores a country whose culture and daily life remain largely unknown, focusing on the personal stories, traditions, and creative expressions of its people.


ABOUT 

For the first edition, we dedicated our work to Iran—not through an outsider’s perspective, but by directly engaging with locals. Through social media, we connected with individuals, listened to their stories, and received personal photos that became the heart of the magazine. Many of these images arrived in low quality, yet we carefully curated and refined them with a deep respect for their authenticity and emotional depth.

We chose a minimalist design to ensure that the stories remain at the forefront. Every visual element is intentional—clean layouts, subtle typography, and a focus on imagery allow the narratives to take center stage. To challenge stereotypes and promote cultural appreciation, each headline is also set in Persian script.

in cooperation with
Viktoria Röttgen

nominated for the
cologne design price 2023