FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

"Roots": A Modular Zine Archive Mapping Immigrant Narratives Through New York's Coffee Shops

"Roots" is a unique collection of six zines, each representing a distinct voice and visual style inspired by the personal stories of immigrants navigating life in New York City. Conceived and designed by Xun Zuo, the project began in August 2022 and continues to evolve, serving as both a storytelling platform and a reflection on how brand and experience design can foster human connection. The zines are loosely sewn and vacuum sealed, symbolizing impermanence and the emotional tension of forging new relationships in a fast-paced urban environment.

Drawing inspiration from the role of coffee shops as social anchors and cultural bridges, Zuo visited local cafes across New York, gathering narratives from outsiders and newcomers. Each zine is crafted with different paper stocks, printing methods, and binding techniques-including sewn and Coptic bindings-chosen in collaboration with the storytellers themselves. The design references the Chinese Red Thread legend, visually expressing themes of connection and distance. A business card included in the vacuum-sealed package invites readers to contribute their own stories, extending the project's reach and reinforcing its participatory ethos.

The research underpinning "Roots" combines qualitative interviews, questionnaires, and cultural probes with over 40 participants, exploring how coffee culture and branding influence feelings of belonging. The project's modular format and ethnographic approach highlight the social value of small businesses and the power of emotional design to foster inclusion. By mapping emotion and honoring the everyday experiences of immigrants, "Roots" invites ongoing dialogue about what design can achieve when it listens deeply to community voices.

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