Reframing Iranian Architectural Identity in Contemporary Product Design: A Design-Based Study of a Culturally Grounded Lighting Artifact

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Architecture, CT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Department of Architecture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.

10.22059/jdt.2026.408397.1171

Abstract

Despite the increasing prevalence of meaning-oriented and identity-driven methodologies in product design in recent decades, the systematic transformation of architectural history into contemporary, manufacturable items remains insufficient, particularly in non-Western contexts. Despite Iran's extensive architectural tradition, rooted in regional identities, symbolic philosophies of light, and geometric systems, numerous contemporary goods prioritize superficial adornment above profound design principles. This study addresses the gap by proposing and implementing a design-based methodology to integrate Iranian architectural legacy into contemporary product design. This research employs a Design-Based Research (DBR) methodology, complemented by qualitative-descriptive analysis, to create Noor-Avan, a modern table lamp that embodies architectural identity, modular customization, and multisensory engagement, while ensuring industrial viability. The research formulates a conceptual framework based on four interconnected dimensions: visual identity and cultural semiotics, the symbolic functions of light in Iranian architecture, architectural-to-product translation methodologies, and identity-driven customization. These dimensions direct a multi-phase design process that includes conceptual analysis, creation of design criteria, iterative ideation, prototyping, and user testing. The results indicate that architectural concepts, like gereh-chini geometry, light-shadow articulation, and regional motifs, can be converted into scalable, manufacturable components while preserving cultural significance. The study finishes by offering a reproducible theoretical and methodological framework for culturally informed product design, enhancing the debate on design thinking by connecting architectural history, user-centered customization, and modern industrial production.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

Abarghouei Fard, H., Jafari, S., Ghanbari, Y., & Ramezani, Z. (2025). Architecture base on light; Analysis of Iranian house based on indoor and outdoor dialectic, case study: Yazd. Tourism of Culture, 6(21), 6-17. https://doi.org/10.22034/toc.2025.498292.1182
Aghapour, N. (2021). Lighting study in various aspects of Iranian architecture. Geography and Human Relationships, 4(3), 256-276.
Alborzi, F., Habib, F., & Etessam, I. (2017). Explaining the role of light in quality of the architectural spaces in Iranian Mosques.
Alborzi, F., Habib, F., & Etessam, I. (2019). Lights and examples in Iranian architecture toward meaning in architecture. Journal of Iranian Architecture & Urbanism(JIAU), 10(1) .
Azevedo, M., Pombo, P., Costa, J., de Azambuja Varela, P., & Sousa, J. (2022). Holographic art applications in new architectural practices. https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2626625
Burdziakowski, P., & Bobkowska, K. (2021). UAV photogrammetry under poor lighting Conditions—Accuracy considerations. Sensors, 21(10), 3531. https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/21/10/3531
El-Khouly, T., & Sherif Abdelmohsen. (2021). Heritage-Inspired interactivity: Traditional geometric patterns as an inspiration for interactive architectural prototypes. Blucher Design Proceedings.
Gourand, B., Azmoudeh, M., Esmaielpour, K., & Nasab, S. (2022). Investigate the mediating role of value orientation in predicting life satisfaction based on dark and light personality traits and emotional differentiation. Shenakht Journal of Psychology and Psychiatry, 9, 160-174. https://doi.org/10.32598/shenakht.9.2.160
Habib, F., Alborzi, Fariba, Etessam, & Iraj. (2013). Light processing in Iranian houses: manifestation of meanings and concepts. International Journal of Architecture and Urban Development, 3(3), 11-20 https://sanad.iau.ir/fa/Article/796410
Hu, H., Liu, Y., Lu, W. F., & Guo, X. (2022). A quantitative aesthetic measurement method for product appearance design. Advanced Engineering Informatics, 53, 101644. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aei.2022.101644
Iskandar, I., Zacky, Z., Isti, A., Agustiananda, P., & Budiman, H. (2023). The role of light in the architecture of religious buildings. Devotion Journal of Community Service, 4, 693-703. https://doi.org/10.36418/devotion.v4i3.426
Jara-Villagrana, M. F., Olvera-Olvera, C. A., Villagrana-Barraza, S., Castro-Tapia, S., Ibarra-Delgado, S., Gómez-Rodríguez, J. R., Sandoval-Aréchiga, R., Rodríguez-Abdalá, V. I., & Díaz-Flórez, G. (2025). Conceptual design based on modular platforms for a prototype of a functional growth chamber for cuttings in controlled agriculture. Designs, 9(4), 86. https://www.mdpi.com/2411-9660/9/4/86
Jiangbo, N. (2025). Digital reconstruction and innovative application of traditional patterns in modern product design. International Journal of High Speed Electronics and Systems. https://doi.org/10.1142/S0129156425408095
Khodashenas, M., & Gilani, M. (2024). Investigating the impact of socio-cultural factors on culture-based product design. Journal of Design Thinking, 5(2)  243-254. https://doi.org/10.22059/jdt.2025.393498.1152
Lo, D. (2025). Transformation of traditional artistic symbols in contemporary decorative and applied arts (case study of interior textiles in the context of the "Guochao" phenomenon). Культура и искусство, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.7256/2454-0625.2025.10.76096
Abarghouei Fard, H., Jafari, S., Ghanbari, Y., & Ramezani, Z. (2025). Architecture base on light; Analysis of Iranian house based on indoor and outdoor dialectic, case study: Yazd. Tourism of Culture, 6(21), 6-17. https://doi.org/10.22034/toc.2025.498292.1182
Aghapour, N. (2021). Lighting study in various aspects of Iranian architecture. Geography and Human Relationships, 4(3), 256-276.
Alborzi, F., Habib, F., & Etessam, I. (2017). Explaining the role of light in quality of the architectural spaces in Iranian Mosques.
Alborzi, F., Habib, F., & Etessam, I. (2019). Lights and examples in Iranian architecture toward meaning in architecture. Journal of Iranian Architecture & Urbanism(JIAU), 10(1) .
Azevedo, M., Pombo, P., Costa, J., de Azambuja Varela, P., & Sousa, J. (2022). Holographic art applications in new architectural practices. https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2626625
Burdziakowski, P., & Bobkowska, K. (2021). UAV photogrammetry under poor lighting Conditions—Accuracy considerations. Sensors, 21(10), 3531. https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/21/10/3531
El-Khouly, T., & Sherif Abdelmohsen. (2021). Heritage-Inspired interactivity: Traditional geometric patterns as an inspiration for interactive architectural prototypes. Blucher Design Proceedings.
Gourand, B., Azmoudeh, M., Esmaielpour, K., & Nasab, S. (2022). Investigate the mediating role of value orientation in predicting life satisfaction based on dark and light personality traits and emotional differentiation. Shenakht Journal of Psychology and Psychiatry, 9, 160-174. https://doi.org/10.32598/shenakht.9.2.160
Habib, F., Alborzi, Fariba, Etessam, & Iraj. (2013). Light processing in Iranian houses: manifestation of meanings and concepts. International Journal of Architecture and Urban Development, 3(3), 11-20 https://sanad.iau.ir/fa/Article/796410
Hu, H., Liu, Y., Lu, W. F., & Guo, X. (2022). A quantitative aesthetic measurement method for product appearance design. Advanced Engineering Informatics, 53, 101644. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aei.2022.101644
Iskandar, I., Zacky, Z., Isti, A., Agustiananda, P., & Budiman, H. (2023). The role of light in the architecture of religious buildings. Devotion Journal of Community Service, 4, 693-703. https://doi.org/10.36418/devotion.v4i3.426
Jara-Villagrana, M. F., Olvera-Olvera, C. A., Villagrana-Barraza, S., Castro-Tapia, S., Ibarra-Delgado, S., Gómez-Rodríguez, J. R., Sandoval-Aréchiga, R., Rodríguez-Abdalá, V. I., & Díaz-Flórez, G. (2025). Conceptual design based on modular platforms for a prototype of a functional growth chamber for cuttings in controlled agriculture. Designs, 9(4), 86. https://www.mdpi.com/2411-9660/9/4/86
Jiangbo, N. (2025). Digital reconstruction and innovative application of traditional patterns in modern product design. International Journal of High Speed Electronics and Systems. https://doi.org/10.1142/S0129156425408095
Khodashenas, M., & Gilani, M. (2024). Investigating the impact of socio-cultural factors on culture-based product design. Journal of Design Thinking, 5(2)  243-254. https://doi.org/10.22059/jdt.2025.393498.1152
Lo, D. (2025). Transformation of traditional artistic symbols in contemporary decorative and applied arts (case study of interior textiles in the context of the "Guochao" phenomenon). Культура и искусство, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.7256/2454-0625.2025.10.76096
Mansoori, S., Faizi, M., Mozaffar, F., & Sedghpour, B. (2016). Decorative motifs and lighting effects in promoting quality health of persian bathhouse. Environment-Behaviour Proceedings Journal, 1, 65. https://doi.org/10.21834/E-BPJ.V1I2.256
Ostovar, F., & Atighechi, N. (2024). Sun and Moon ornaments in cultural Iranian art (based on Sasanid art). Strategic Studies of Art, 3(1), 117-141. https://doi.org/10.22083/ssa.2025.494508.1055
Pallant, J., Sands, S., & Karpen, I. (2020). Product customization: A profile of consumer demand. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 54, 102030. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jretconser.2019.102030
Pandremenos, J., & Chryssolouris, G. (2014). Modular product design and customization. Competitive Design - Proceedings of the 19th CIRP Design Conference.
Powell, C., & Yang, S. (2023). Trends in consumer preferences for product customization and their application in product design. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3334718/v1
Qin, Z., & Ng, S. (2020). Culture as inspiration: A metaphorical framework for designing products with Traditional Cultural Properties (TCPs). Sustainability, 12(17).
Rashdan, W., & Ashour, A. F. (2024). Heritage-Inspired strategies in interior design: Balancing critical regionalism and reflexive modernism for identity preservation. Heritage, 7(12), 6825-6856.
Rismanian, M. (2023). Philosophy of life and death, light and darkness, in Iranian literature and architecture. Journal of Teleological Science, 3, 93-102. https://doi.org/10.59079/jts.v3i.206
Rostam Beigi, S. (2011). The Mithraicism motifs in the ornamental designs of Iranian arts. Negareh, 6(18), 49-67.
Rouzbahani, R. (2018). The readings of Timurid art based on the ideas of Suhrawardi: A Study on geometrical motifs of Goharshad Mosque. JRIA, 5(4), 35. https://doi.org/http://jria.iust.ac.ir/article-1-864-en.html
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Shariatmadari, F. (2019). Analysis of the lighting level in Iranian historical period, from cultural Mehr to Islam. East Art and Civilization, 6(22), 49-54.
Tao, J., & Hui, C. (2024). Application of three-dimensional printing technology, integrating traditional art concepts in cultural and creative product design. Applied Mathematics and Nonlinear Sciences, 9. https://doi.org/10.2478/amns-2024-2356
Tousian Shandiz, G., & Haji Ghafouri, M. (2022). A study on mysticism of light, color and geometry in sashes (Orosies) of the Western Shabestan of the Nasir al-Molk Mosque in Shiraz. Journal of Iranian Handicrafts Studies, 5(1), 101-110. https://doi.org/10.22052/hsi.2022.245993.0
Trentin, A., Sandrin, E., Suzic, S., Grosso, C., & Forza, C. (2025). Reconciling product flexibility with cost, delivery, and quality: the importance of bundling mass customization practices. Global Journal of Flexible Systems Management, 26. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40171-024-00429-5
Umayrah, E., Nursaniah, C., Irwansyah, M., Qadri, L., & Huda, K. (2024). The role of lighting on the atmosphere of the reading room, USK library journal. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 1361, 012021. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1361/1/012021
Wang, L., Da, W., & Mohamed, F. (2025). Research on the innovative path of cultural and creative transformation of Tibetan Thangka intangible cultural heritage. Design Journal, 3, 63-72. https://doi.org/10.58477/dj.v3i2.306
Abarghouei Fard, H., Jafari, S., Ghanbari, Y., & Ramezani, Z. (2025). Architecture base on light; Analysis of Iranian house based on indoor and outdoor dialectic, case study: Yazd. Tourism of Culture, 6(21), 6-17. https://doi.org/10.22034/toc.2025.498292.1182
Aghapour, N. (2021). Lighting study in various aspects of Iranian architecture. Geography and Human Relationships, 4(3), 256-276.
Alborzi, F., Habib, F., & Etessam, I. (2017). Explaining the role of light in quality of the architectural spaces in Iranian Mosques.
Alborzi, F., Habib, F., & Etessam, I. (2019). Lights and examples in Iranian architecture toward meaning in architecture. Journal of Iranian Architecture & Urbanism(JIAU), 10(1) .
Azevedo, M., Pombo, P., Costa, J., de Azambuja Varela, P., & Sousa, J. (2022). Holographic art applications in new architectural practices. https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2626625
Burdziakowski, P., & Bobkowska, K. (2021). UAV photogrammetry under poor lighting Conditions—Accuracy considerations. Sensors, 21(10), 3531. https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/21/10/3531
El-Khouly, T., & Sherif Abdelmohsen. (2021). Heritage-Inspired interactivity: Traditional geometric patterns as an inspiration for interactive architectural prototypes. Blucher Design Proceedings.
Gourand, B., Azmoudeh, M., Esmaielpour, K., & Nasab, S. (2022). Investigate the mediating role of value orientation in predicting life satisfaction based on dark and light personality traits and emotional differentiation. Shenakht Journal of Psychology and Psychiatry, 9, 160-174. https://doi.org/10.32598/shenakht.9.2.160
Habib, F., Alborzi, Fariba, Etessam, & Iraj. (2013). Light processing in Iranian houses: manifestation of meanings and concepts. International Journal of Architecture and Urban Development, 3(3), 11-20 https://sanad.iau.ir/fa/Article/796410
Hu, H., Liu, Y., Lu, W. F., & Guo, X. (2022). A quantitative aesthetic measurement method for product appearance design. Advanced Engineering Informatics, 53, 101644. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aei.2022.101644
Iskandar, I., Zacky, Z., Isti, A., Agustiananda, P., & Budiman, H. (2023). The role of light in the architecture of religious buildings. Devotion Journal of Community Service, 4, 693-703. https://doi.org/10.36418/devotion.v4i3.426
Jara-Villagrana, M. F., Olvera-Olvera, C. A., Villagrana-Barraza, S., Castro-Tapia, S., Ibarra-Delgado, S., Gómez-Rodríguez, J. R., Sandoval-Aréchiga, R., Rodríguez-Abdalá, V. I., & Díaz-Flórez, G. (2025). Conceptual design based on modular platforms for a prototype of a functional growth chamber for cuttings in controlled agriculture. Designs, 9(4), 86. https://www.mdpi.com/2411-9660/9/4/86
Jiangbo, N. (2025). Digital reconstruction and innovative application of traditional patterns in modern product design. International Journal of High Speed Electronics and Systems. https://doi.org/10.1142/S0129156425408095
Khodashenas, M., & Gilani, M. (2024). Investigating the impact of socio-cultural factors on culture-based product design. Journal of Design Thinking, 5(2)  243-254. https://doi.org/10.22059/jdt.2025.393498.1152
Lo, D. (2025). Transformation of traditional artistic symbols in contemporary decorative and applied arts (case study of interior textiles in the context of the "Guochao" phenomenon). Культура и искусство, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.7256/2454-0625.2025.10.76096
Mansoori, S., Faizi, M., Mozaffar, F., & Sedghpour, B. (2016). Decorative motifs and lighting effects in promoting quality health of persian bathhouse. Environment-Behaviour Proceedings Journal, 1, 65. https://doi.org/10.21834/E-BPJ.V1I2.256
Ostovar, F., & Atighechi, N. (2024). Sun and Moon ornaments in cultural Iranian art (based on Sasanid art). Strategic Studies of Art, 3(1), 117-141. https://doi.org/10.22083/ssa.2025.494508.1055
Pallant, J., Sands, S., & Karpen, I. (2020). Product customization: A profile of consumer demand. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 54, 102030. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jretconser.2019.102030
Pandremenos, J., & Chryssolouris, G. (2014). Modular product design and customization. Competitive Design - Proceedings of the 19th CIRP Design Conference.
Powell, C., & Yang, S. (2023). Trends in consumer preferences for product customization and their application in product design. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3334718/v1
Qin, Z., & Ng, S. (2020). Culture as inspiration: A metaphorical framework for designing products with Traditional Cultural Properties (TCPs). Sustainability, 12(17).
Rashdan, W., & Ashour, A. F. (2024). Heritage-Inspired strategies in interior design: Balancing critical regionalism and reflexive modernism for identity preservation. Heritage, 7(12), 6825-6856.
Rismanian, M. (2023). Philosophy of life and death, light and darkness, in Iranian literature and architecture. Journal of Teleological Science, 3, 93-102. https://doi.org/10.59079/jts.v3i.206
Rostam Beigi, S. (2011). The Mithraicism motifs in the ornamental designs of Iranian arts. Negareh, 6(18), 49-67.
Rouzbahani, R. (2018). The readings of Timurid art based on the ideas of Suhrawardi: A Study on geometrical motifs of Goharshad Mosque. JRIA, 5(4), 35. https://doi.org/http://jria.iust.ac.ir/article-1-864-en.html
Setlhatlhanyo, K., Marope, O., Moalosi, R., & Sealetsa, O. (2019). Developing creative product designs inspired by ethnic cultural heritage. FormAkademisk - forskningstidsskrift for design og designdidaktikk, 11. https://doi.org/10.7577/formakademisk.2489
Shariatmadari, F. (2019). Analysis of the lighting level in Iranian historical period, from cultural Mehr to Islam. East Art and Civilization, 6(22), 49-54.
Tao, J., & Hui, C. (2024). Application of three-dimensional printing technology, integrating traditional art concepts in cultural and creative product design. Applied Mathematics and Nonlinear Sciences, 9. https://doi.org/10.2478/amns-2024-2356
Tousian Shandiz, G., & Haji Ghafouri, M. (2022). A study on mysticism of light, color and geometry in sashes (Orosies) of the Western Shabestan of the Nasir al-Molk Mosque in Shiraz. Journal of Iranian Handicrafts Studies, 5(1), 101-110. https://doi.org/10.22052/hsi.2022.245993.0
Trentin, A., Sandrin, E., Suzic, S., Grosso, C., & Forza, C. (2025). Reconciling product flexibility with cost, delivery, and quality: the importance of bundling mass customization practices. Global Journal of Flexible Systems Management, 26. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40171-024-00429-5
Umayrah, E., Nursaniah, C., Irwansyah, M., Qadri, L., & Huda, K. (2024). The role of lighting on the atmosphere of the reading room, USK library journal. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 1361, 012021. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1361/1/012021
Wang, L., Da, W., & Mohamed, F. (2025). Research on the innovative path of cultural and creative transformation of Tibetan Thangka intangible cultural heritage. Design Journal, 3, 63-72. https://doi.org/10.58477/dj.v3i2.306
Wu, W. (2024). Application of traditional culture in modern cultural and creative product design in the era of artificial intelligence. Applied Mathematics and Nonlinear Sciences, 9. https://doi.org/10.2478/amns-2024-1044
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Journal of Design Thinking
Volume 6, Issue 1
June 2025
Pages 103-126

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