The Role of Designer Mindset on the Representation of layers of contemporary Iranian architectural works through Deleuze’s Significant Form Perspective

Problem statement: Using semiotics as the theoretical paradigm of postmodernism in the design process, meaning gained importance which has been under-explored in the previous research. One of the points to be considered in contemporary Iranian architecture is the lack of attention to semantic aspects in the design process, which weakens the dimensions of identity. Deleuze has applied Pierce’s semiotics to describe the process of shaping the real environment in cinema. Before realizing the real-world environment, he sets an originary world (background) and explains its two components of power and quality. In this model, the real environment is formed as a kind of actuality, and because of the corresponding relations. Being inspired by the elements in the background as well as concepts and features of traditional architecture, designer start choosing appropriate layers and finally create their works. This study applied Deleuze’s perspective to survey five professional Iranian architects to analyze their works and how they chose their architectural layers.  Research Analyzing how professional architects in Iran select their design methods and identify the background components affecting their designs and how they use architectural context layers in creating their works.Research In this qualitative research, data collection was conducted through descriptive-analytical and analysis of documents related to the architectural design processes was carried out by “content analysis” method with a “layered semiotics” approach. The results indicated that professional architects in Iran are inspired by the concepts and features of past architecture. They further express more profound and comprehensive meanings and concepts through a modern understanding of different layers of architecture, especially the interpretive and aesthetic layers. They reflect the past in contemporary architecture.