Manifestation of Art in Architecture and Urban Engineering

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. 

The Soltaniyeh Dome in Zanjan Province is one of the most important and prominent architectural works of the Ilkhanid period, which was built in 1302 AD by order of Sultan Mohammad Khodabandeh (Oljaito) in the city of Soltaniyeh. This dome is not only a symbol of the grandeur and splendor of Islamic architecture during the Ilkhanid period, but also, due to the intelligent combination of Iranian architectural elements and technical innovations, has become a model for architectural works after it. The main goal of this research is to analyze the structural design of the Soltaniyeh Dome, focusing on the impact of conservation interventions, especially the concrete ring, on structural stability and the reinterpretation of its tangible and intangible values ​​in the architecture of the Ilkhanid period. To achieve this goal, the present research seeks to answer the following questions: What is the impact of the concrete ring intervention on the structural behavior of the Soltaniyeh Dome? How can structural design analysis and structural modeling help to better understand the tangible and intangible values ​​of the architecture of the Soltaniyeh Dome? What lessons can be learned from the experience of the Soltaniyeh Dome conservation interventions for the conservation of other historical monuments? This research, by combining analytical methods, numerical modeling, and historical studies, seeks to provide comprehensive answers to the aforementioned questions. The results of this research, in addition to increasing knowledge in the field of architectural heritage conservation, can help improve conservation policies and methods in Iran and the world. This research is based on three main theoretical pillars: a- Ne'arsh in Iranian historical architecture (combination of structure and art), b- Valorization of cultural heritage (tangible and intangible), and c- Engineering of historical structures (behavior of dome shells and adaptive conservation). All data used in this research, including architectural drawings and technical reports, were collected through existing documentation and field visits. Field visits included precise measurements of the dome dimensions, recording the current condition of structural components, and recording images of the building. Also, for numerical analysis and modeling, ABAQUS software was used, which is specially suitable for simulating structural behavior and complex numerical analysis. In this research, numerical modeling of the Soltaniyeh Dome against different loads was carried out using ABAQUS software in order to investigate its structural behavior and the effect of the concrete ring intervention. The results of these analyses, including the effect of this intervention on the distribution of stresses and strain changes, were specifically examined. These results were compared with each other based on field data and historical documents, and the effects of the concrete ring intervention on the structural stability of the Soltaniyeh Dome were evaluated. The results of this research show that the initial design of the Soltaniyeh Dome, due to the use of precise design principles, has high stability. Past conservation interventions, especially the use of concrete rings, have not had much impact on improving structural performance under gravity conditions, but when exposed to seismic forces, they can lead to new damage. These findings emphasize that in restoration interventions of historical monuments, more accurate structural analyses should be performed and methods should be used that have the least negative impact on the stability and authenticity of the building. Future studies can provide a deeper understanding of the structural and restoration challenges of the Soltaniyeh Dome and help optimize conservation methods for this world heritage site. The results of this study fully confirm the hypotheses raised at the beginning of the study. The Soltaniyeh Dome is well able to withstand and distribute loads under normal gravity loads, given its geometric design and material properties. The hypothesis that the concrete ring had no significant effect on the dome's performance against gravity loads was also confirmed. In the context of seismic loads, the analyses showed that the presence of the concrete ring could have a negative effect under seismic conditions and prevent the dome from naturally flexing. This emphasizes the importance of designing appropriate protective interventions against dynamic loads. Overall, the interpretation of the findings of this study clearly shows that the Soltaniyeh Dome, as a masterpiece of Islamic architecture, performs well in response to gravity loads, but suffers from problems against seismic forces, especially with the presence of ineffective restoration interventions such as concrete tensioning. In addition to providing more accurate information about the structural behavior of the dome, these findings are an important step towards evaluating and critiquing past restoration approaches. One of the most important innovations of this research is the use of advanced simulations to model the behavior of the dome under different conditions and provide more accurate analyses of the effects of restoration interventions. These analyses will help researchers and restoration professionals to carry out conservation and retrofitting interventions more accurately in the future and prevent potential damage.

This article examines the role of time in the development of textile art and analyzes its impact on the evolution of styles, techniques, and artistic patterns throughout history. Time, as a key factor, has played a role not only in shaping textile art but also in its interaction with cultural, social, and technological transformations. Over time, this art form has transitioned from traditional methods such as hand weaving and dyeing to modern techniques like digital printing, smart fabrics, and computer-aided design. The article demonstrates how technology has acted as a catalyst for innovation, transforming textile art while simultaneously preserving its traditional values. The findings of this study highlight that understanding the temporal dimension in textile art contributes to a clearer comprehension of its evolutionary process and forges a connection between the past, present, and future. Furthermore, the dynamic coexistence of art and technology has opened new avenues for creativity and innovation in this field. Ultimately, the article underscores the importance of sustaining the interaction between art and technology and envisions a new perspective for the future of textile art.

The process of cultural globalization, as one of the key features of contemporary transformations, plays a crucial role in redefining cultural boundaries, collective identities, and social relations in urban spaces. This article, drawing upon the theoretical perspectives of scholars such as Giddens, Robertson, Appadurai, Tomlinson, and others, examines how cultural globalization influences the city and urban life through the lens of urban sociology. In addition to reviewing theoretical foundations and previous studies, the article explains the cultural opportunities and challenges that arise from globalization in urban contexts and analyzes its consequences at identity, social, economic, and spatial levels. The aim of this research is to explore the theoretical and practical dimensions of cultural globalization in the urban fabric. The main focus is on identifying the cultural opportunities and challenges of this process in cities and examining its impact on identity, lifestyle, social structure, and spatial dynamics in the context of globalization. This study attempts to offer a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between globalization and urban culture by integrating theoretical perspectives and empirical evidence. The research method is applied–developmental in terms of purpose and descriptive–analytical in terms of data collection, with the analytical section being exploratory in nature and conducted through the use of library sources and academic documents. The study also employs a qualitative method with an analytical–interpretive approach. Data have been collected through a systematic review of theoretical texts, previous studies, and content analysis of the works of key theorists in the field of cultural globalization. Moreover, in order to enrich the discussion, case analyses of examples of global cultural manifestations in cities are utilized to link the theoretical dimensions of the article with empirical evidence. This methodological combination enables a more comprehensive analysis of the processes and consequences of cultural globalization in urban spaces. The findings of the study indicate that, from the perspective of urban sociology, the impacts of cultural globalization processes in the context of cities can be summarized into three key themes: “the city as a field of tension and cultural re-articulation,” “the cultural agency of citizens in the face of globalization,” and “the necessity of rethinking urban policy-making.” According to these findings, just as globalization, in the absence of social and institutional preparedness, may lead to cultural ruptures, identity crises, and increased urban inequalities, it can also result in the expansion of cultural exchange, the flourishing of creative industries, and the reinforcement of local identities. Consequently, urban policy-making plays a pivotal role in navigating these outcomes.