reframing iranian architectural identity in contemporary product design: a design-based study of a culturally grounded lighting artifact

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.