A ‘hybrid design’ has been finally selected to adorn the newly renovated Enqelab Square, following a public announcement summoning artists to create a new design to be placed in one of the most momentous squares of Tehran.
Among the 150 designs submitted 9 were shortlisted and finally two, created by Rouhollah Shamsizadeh and Hossein Shenavar were selected. Incorporating elements of Islamic-Iranian architecture, culture, and history, the design features a blood red gateway perched upon a turquoise blue dome through which a flock of birds wing towards their freedom.
Shamsizadeh’s design was born during the course of seven months of research and with the collaboration of several experts. The jurors who selected the design are all well acquainted with public spaces and urban elements, the artist said in an interview with Mehr News Agency.
A team of architects, sculptors, and landscape designers have come together and are working to complete the design.
The design has also received its fair share of criticism.
However, brushing aside the criticisms, the artist said, “Elements which once carried original spiritual and revolutionary significance have been overused through the years and are now commonplace. Revolutionary and religious elements have been undermined due to incorrect use by those who are not well-versed nor have carried out scientific research prior to using them in the creations.” Unfortunately, nowadays, “whoever dares to draw on some of these elements will automatically be subject to criticism,” he added.
Obsolete
Viewers carry an impression that every element featuring flight or birds is obsolete or repetitive. However, if that was the case then the same holds good for figurative sculpture since it has been used for ages. “The human figure is still used widely in all artistic forms and is not mundane,” he observed.
The artist said such comments are in fact “hasty journalistic judgments and biased preconceptions, especially since all that has actually been seen is the preliminary design; and the monument has not yet been unveiled. Instead of judging on a single photo shot of the design, in order to deliver correct technical criticism, the scientific research process also needs to be considered.”
Technicians have been consulted and the design has been corrected “nearly ten times during different stages.” With a multilateral vision, form, concept, semiotics, color, and harmony have all been studied. The design is still open to technical criticism and until it is erected experts are welcome to help improve a valuable national landmark with their ideas, he added.
