International Journal of Urban Management and Energy Sustainability

International Journal of Urban Management and Energy Sustainability

The Role of Conceptual Art in the Design of Contemporary Mosques in Khorasan: An Approach to Modernization and Maximum Cultural Audience Engagement

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Mehdi Shajiei Gisour
Ahmad Heidari
Reza Mirzaei
Department of Architecture, Bi.C., Islamic Azad University, Birjand, Iran
10.22034/ijumes.2026.2045668.1268
Abstract
In light of contemporary cultural, social, and technological transformations, rethinking the design of Islamic mosques particularly in the Khorasan region, which has a rich heritage in religious architecture has become an undeniable necessity. This research focuses on the role of conceptual art in enhancing the quality of contemporary mosque design, examining how visual elements such as light, form, color, and interactive arrangements can be employed to maximize audience engagement especially among the younger generation while strengthening spiritual experience and social participation. The research method is qualitative and analytical, utilizing field studies and comparative analysis of four prominent examples of religious architecture in Khorasan in Iran: The Goharshad Mosque, The Jemee Mosque of Neyshabur, the Akbariyeh Cultural Complex of Birjand, and the Hazrat Zahra Mosque in Mashhad. Findings indicate that the integration of conceptual art components with traditional architecture, while preserving Islamic identity, enhances the visitor's sensory, spiritual, and cultural connection to the mosque space and creates conditions for renewing the cultural functions of these spaces. Ultimately, this research proposes that designing mosques with an interactive and multisensory approach can be a creative response to the spiritual and cognitive needs of contemporary societies.

Graphical Abstract

The Role of Conceptual Art in the Design of Contemporary Mosques in Khorasan: An Approach to Modernization and Maximum Cultural Audience Engagement

Highlights

· Light transforms visual perception into spiritual experience across all four mosques.

· Minimalist design creates meaningful spatial emptiness as a contemporary spiritual tool.

· Participation mediates between the physical space and the visitor's spiritual experience.

· Conceptual art bridges tradition and modernity in Islamic mosque design.

Keywords
Cultural engagement
Conceptual art
contemporary mosque
Islamic architecture
Khorasan
spiritual experience
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International Journal of Urban Management and Energy Sustainability

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 16 May 2026

  • Receive Date 12 February 2026
  • Revise Date 09 April 2026
  • Accept Date 16 May 2026