Manifestation of Art in Architecture and Urban Engineering

In Islamic architecture, light has always been regarded as more than a functional element, symbolizing spirituality and the manifestation of the sacred. Iranian religious architecture, through the creative use of natural and artificial light, has succeeded in creating spaces filled with meaning and transcendence, offering individuals a unique experience of presence within sacred places. This study, employing a phenomenological approach, analyzes the role of light in the architecture of Iranian religious spaces and demonstrates how deliberate use of light evokes a sense of sanctity, promotes psychological tranquility, and enhances spatial quality. The findings reveal that light not only organizes spatial composition and highlights architectural elements but also acts as a bridge between human beings and transcendence. A review of traditional Iranian architectural examples shows that past architects, with a deep understanding of cultural and religious values, used light in such a way that it became an integral part of mystical and spiritual experiences. Thus, rethinking the application of light in contemporary architecture can inspire the design of spiritual spaces that, while modern, maintain a profound connection with tradition and religious beliefs.

Creative cities, as new platforms for cultural, social, and economic development, have received increasing attention from urban policymakers and researchers in recent decades. By emphasizing innovation, social participation, and the use of artistic capacities, these cities play a vital role in strengthening cultural identity and enhancing citizens’ quality of life. This research, using a qualitative method and content analysis of urban studies, examines the impact of urban art on cultural identity and sustainable development. The findings indicate that the presence of artistic works in public spaces not only enhances environmental aesthetics and increases social interactions but also fosters a sense of belonging and strengthens social capital. Furthermore, the integration of urban art with sustainable development policies has transformed art into a tool for addressing environmental issues, boosting cultural tourism, and fostering a dynamic urban economy. The article emphasizes that contemporary urban management must adopt a creative and artistic approach to urban design and organization in order to balance modern needs, cultural heritage preservation, and the realization of sustainable cities.

Islamic geometry, as one of the most fundamental components in shaping the identity of Iranian-Islamic architecture, has long held a prominent place in the architectural history of this region. Complex geometric patterns have not only fulfilled aesthetic functions but also contributed to imbuing spaces with meaning, reflecting sacred concepts, and creating harmony between architectural structure and the Islamic worldview. This study, adopting a descriptive-analytical approach, investigates the role of geometry in contemporary Iranian architecture, aiming to clarify the relationship between the continuity of tradition and the necessity of innovation in modern design. The findings suggest that reinterpreting traditional geometric principles can lead to the creation of a new architectural language—one that, while benefiting from modern technologies, simultaneously safeguards cultural and historical roots. Case studies further indicate that Islamic geometry holds significant potential for integration with sustainable architecture approaches, renewable energy usage, and intelligent design. Therefore, it can be argued that rethinking the application of Islamic geometry not only contributes to the preservation of cultural identity but also addresses contemporary challenges such as identity crises, urban architectural uniformity, and the growing need for sustainable spaces.

This study, aiming to conduct a semiotic analysis of silence in contemporary Iranian women’s fashion design, seeks to examine silence at the level of visual signs through Peirce’s triadic framework of icon, index, and symbol. The theoretical section of the research, drawing on case-based approaches (such as those of Shirin Gild, Araz Fazaili, and Mehrnoush Shah Hosseini) and philosophical perspectives (including the views of Wittgenstein, Derrida, and Barthes), conceptualizes silence and subsequently redefines it within the Peircean semiotic system. The research method is qualitative, employing a visual semiotic analysis approach. The study sample comprises a collection of conceptual and contemporary clothing designs by Iranian designers from the 2010s, which are evaluated in terms of form, color, texture, and spatial structure. Data were collected and interpreted through a combination of visual observation, comparative analysis, and decoding of visual constructs. In the applied analysis section, the works of three prominent contemporary Iranian designers—Shirin Gild, Araz Fazaili, and Mehrnoush Shah Hosseini—were examined semiotically. The findings indicate that these designers, through the use of simple forms, neutral colors, and the elimination of superfluous ornamentation, employ the visual language of silence as a cultural, aesthetic, and even political strategy. In Shirin Gild’s works, minimalism—drawing inspiration from traditional Iranian attire and removing seductive signs—transforms into a language of silence, dignity, and critical engagement. Fazaili’s designs, by reinterpreting rural elements and removing visual extravagance, present silence as cultural resistance and a reflection of feminine identity. Likewise, Mehrnoush Shah Hosseini’s works, by integrating the language of traditional architecture with fashion design, recreate silence not only through elimination but also through geometry, material, and space. This analysis provides a more nuanced understanding of the role of clothing in representing Iranian women’s identity, the social meaning-making systems, and the relationship between design, the body, and culture.

The present study investigates the role of revitalization of lost spaces in urban sustainable development with an emphasis on contemporary approaches in the context of the traditional bazaar of Kerman. The research is applied in nature and exploratory-explanatory in approach, conducted using a mixed-method (qualitative-quantitative) design. The qualitative population consists of experts and specialists in architecture, tourism, and cultural heritage, while the quantitative population includes local (native) residents around the traditional bazaars of Kerman. A purposive snowball sampling method was used to select 12 participants from the first group, and a simple random sampling method was used to select 92 participants from the second group. For data analysis, grounded theory was applied in the qualitative phase, and structural equation modeling (SEM) was used in the quantitative phase. The findings derived from grounded theory in the qualitative section revealed that information behavior, through seven components—namely recognition of the dimensions of deterioration and the regressive trajectory of lost spaces, as well as identification of regional resources and opportunities—affects the realization of conservation principles and the revitalization process. The realization of conservation principles and the revitalization process, in turn, leads to the physical, economic, and socio-cultural revitalization of lost spaces. Furthermore, government policies—including legislation and implementation—serve as contextual conditions, while contemporary (technological) approaches act as intervening factors influencing the revitalization of lost spaces, ultimately resulting in economic, physical, and socio-historical development. Quantitative findings derived from structural equation modeling also confirmed the qualitative results. Specifically: recognition of the dimensions of deterioration and the regressive trajectory of lost spaces has a significant effect on the realization of conservation principles and the revitalization process; identification of regional resources and opportunities has a significant effect on the realization of conservation principles and the revitalization process; the realization of conservation principles and the revitalization process significantly affects the revitalization of lost spaces; contemporary approaches have a significant effect on the revitalization of lost spaces; government policies have a significant effect on the revitalization of lost spaces; and finally, the revitalization of lost spaces has a significant impact on urban sustainable development.

Contemporary developments in the field of urban regeneration indicate a paradigmatic shift from purely physical interventions to more comprehensive and human-centered approaches. Within this context, citizens’ perception and cognitive interpretation of public spaces play a key role in the success of regeneration projects. This article, focusing on the historic neighborhood of Dokkān-e Shams in the city of Shushtar, provides a qualitative analysis of citizens’ perceptions of public spaces. Using the SWOT method and an interpretive analytical approach, it investigates the interconnection between spatial quality, historical identity, and social participation in the regeneration process. Findings suggest that despite the presence of a coherent spatial structure, historical potentials, and functional vibrancy, the Dokkān-e Shams neighborhood faces several challenges such as physical deterioration, visual disorder, a shortage of high-quality public spaces, and the threat to architectural identity. Citizens’ negative perception of these spaces has led to diminished sense of belonging and reduced participation. Conversely, the positive attitude toward historical buildings, lived experiences in collective spaces, and the residents’ willingness to revitalize the neighborhood highlight a high potential for participatory regeneration. This article recommends that by applying context-sensitive design principles, improving the quality of public spaces, organizing entrances and pedestrian pathways, and strengthening participatory approaches, it is possible to restore residents’ positive mental image and guide the regeneration process toward sustainable outcomes.

The aim of this study is to develop and explain a smart housing model in Baghdad to optimize energy consumption using advanced technologies. This survey-based research follows a quantitative approach. Key smart housing components were identified through a literature review, and a custom-designed questionnaire was distributed among 200 participants (residents and urban development experts) in Baghdad’s Al-Mansour and Al-Jadriya districts. Data were analyzed using LISREL software and structural equation modeling. Instrument reliability was confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha, and construct validity was statistically supported. The results revealed four main factors influencing smart housing perception: the psychological factor had the greatest impact (factor loading = 0.71), including aspects of security and peace of mind. The environmental factor (loading = 0.62) emphasized energy efficiency and green space integration. The economic factor (loading = 0.59) reflected the importance of reduced maintenance costs and advanced materials. The physical factor (loading = 0.53) had the least influence, involving building design and infrastructure components. All factors were statistically significant (t-values > 1.96). The final model indicates that psychological and environmental components play a stronger role in shaping user perceptions of smart housing than physical or economic factors. Therefore, policymakers and urban planners should prioritize psychological well-being and ecological sustainability in smart housing initiatives.

This study examines the profound impact of architecture during the Pahlavi era (1925–1979) on Tehran's urban landscape. The research demonstrates that modernization policies during this period led to fundamental transformations in Tehran's architecture, marked by a shift from traditional introverted styles to modern extroverted patterns. 

During the **early Pahlavi period (1925–1941)**, despite the preservation of some traditional architectural elements, urban structures were predominantly shaped by Western influences. This trend intensified in the **late Pahlavi period (1941–1979)**, resulting in the emergence of modern buildings with international characteristics. While these developments contributed to urban infrastructure expansion and economic growth, they also brought significant negative consequences, including the destruction of historical fabrics, a rupture in architectural identity, and heightened social tensions. 

The study emphasizes that a comprehensive understanding of this era requires a multidimensional analysis of the political, economic, and cultural factors influencing architecture. The findings provide a valuable framework for analyzing contemporary architectural developments in Iran.