Application of Traditional Lorestan Motifs (Golvani) in the Design of Contemporary Urban Furniture and Elements

Abstract

   

Traditional clothing and architecture both reflect the cultural identity and historical aesthetics of societies. In many civilizations, patterns of traditional clothing have directly influenced architectural ornamentation. Golvani, as one of the cultural symbols of Lorestan, possesses unique designs and motifs that can be applied in urban design and architecture. The main objective of this research is to explore the strategies for integrating Golvani motifs of Lorestan with contemporary architecture and to analyze their impact on urban beautification.This applied research was conducted using a mixed method (qualitative-exploratory) based on participatory design, with a statistical population of 21 associate degree students of architecture. Three original motifs—“Boteh-Jegheh” (Paisley), “Gol” (Flower), and “Sarv” (Cypress)—were documented from a Golvani headscarf. Following a 30-minute orientation session, a questionnaire comprising closed and open-ended questions was distributed among the students.The “Boteh-Jegheh” motif had the highest frequency with 38%. Furthermore, 57.8% of the students operated at the level of conceptual translation. In contrast, 43% of the students identified the transformation of the two-dimensional fabric pattern into three-dimensional architectural volume as the main design challenge. This finding indicates that design skills based on conceptual understanding have received less attention in conventional architecture education.The results demonstrated that local traditional motifs function beyond a decorative role, serving as a rich source of semantic and formal inspiration in contemporary urban spaces. The way students applied Golvani motifs in the design of urban furniture and elements reflects their intellectual maturity in engaging with cultural heritage and their ability to creatively reinterpret indigenous patterns in a contemporary and urban context.The Golvani motifs, as a manifestation of traditional art, can be integrated into architecture, urban furniture, and urban elements to enhance the urban landscape

KEYWORDS

Golvani motifs  .Architecture and city image. Traditional motifs. Khorramabad National University of Skills for Girls