Pixel Pattern is an installation experimenting with the transition of pattern in Iranian Architecture to craft a modular surface. It is directed by Farnaz Fattahi and fabricated by Khayyam University Architecture student using almost 60sqm of steel plates. The form is designed on a 15cm x 15cm grid extending over 8 meters in length and 2 meters in height. There are over 650 pixels of steel cells generating the alteration of pattern formation through the surface.

Pattern Grind

The trajectory change in pattern of the selected buildings from past to present is the inspirational process of the pattern formation in this installation. By analyzing the traditional brickwork of the Tolui house from the 18th century to the modern era of the 50s in Nader Shah mausoleum and reaching the contemporary brickwork of Haghighi house in 2014. The selection of buildings is used as one the numerous pathways of occurring pattern transformation within Iranian architecture.

This installation demonstrates the transition of pattern in three parts from traditional to modern to contemporary. The designs merge into one another transforming the depth and angle of each pixel. The traditional section of this installation is designed as a more repetitive form of traditional motifs. As the pattern reaches into the modern era, the pixel formation becomes more random in height and shape but at the same time forming triangular variations as an association to the past. The pattern merges into the third section as the pixels becomes more flexible and demonstrate a diversity of rotations. The fabrication process of this installation was on a two week period starting from design to pixel template preparation. The typology of pixels shape and size variation were templated to define each pixel. By prototyping a scale cardboard model, the process of fabrication was investigated. The steel sheets were cut using the premade templates, folded into pixel shapes and connected to the adjoining pixel. This steel modular pattern with its variety of angles and depths bounces of light engaging the visitor by reflecting an unclear image as walking past this surface.

The steel pixels distributed on a grid, vary in height, scale and angle to indicate the three stages of pattern transition with the objective of demonstrating the trajectory transformation of pattern formation within the different periods in Iranian Architecture.