The project was selected for the third edition of Lumière sur la relève en vidéoprojection, presented by Partenariat du Quartier des spectacles in Montréal, and is projected on the façade of UQAM's Pavillon Président-Kennedy from October 5 to November 1, 2026.
Tile Codes draws inspiration from traditional Palestinian cement floor tiles, a craft that became a defining feature of residential architecture in Palestine during the 1920s and 30s. Once widely found in homes, these colorful geometric patterns are part of a fading tradition, with only a few functioning tile factories remaining today.
The piece reimagines these traditional patterns through vector illustration, keyframe animation, and custom-coded algorithms. Tiles shift, pulse, and continuously recombine across the building's façade, creating an evolving composition of color, rhythm, and movement. By bringing a craft originally meant to be walked on onto a large architectural surface, the project explores the relationship between cultural heritage and digital technology, preserving the memory of a disappearing tradition through motion.
Credits
Concept & Creative Direction: Amjad Jarrar
Pattern Illustration & Coloring: Amjad Jarrar
Animation & Motion Design: Amjad Jarrar
Generative Programming / Code: Amjad Jarrar
Pattern Illustration & Coloring: Amjad Jarrar
Animation & Motion Design: Amjad Jarrar
Generative Programming / Code: Amjad Jarrar
Photography & Videography: JF Savaria
Acknowledgments
The patterns are based on Traditional Floor Tiles in Palestine, published by Riwaq – Centre for Architectural Conservation, documenting traditional designs originally created by Palestinian craftsmen and mold-makers, later illustrated by Lena Sobeh, with text by Suad Amiry.
The project was also partially inspired by Flip Tiles, created in collaboration with Mel Chen for OFFF Barcelona 2026.