4Cities, 4Capitals
Project Overview:
In this project, I embarked on a journey to redesign Iran's currency, giving it a fresh and modern identity that reflects the cultural, artistic, and historical significance of four of its most iconic cities. This redesign project, titled "4 Cities, 4 Capitals," highlights the unique essence of Tehran, Esfahan, Toos, and Shiraz, each representing a different facet of Iran’s rich heritage.
Challenges:
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Balancing Tradition & Modernity:
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Ensuring the currency redesign honors cultural heritage while introducing a modern aesthetic.
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Cultural Integration:
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Incorporating diverse elements from each city without overwhelming the design.
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Technical Precision:
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Maintaining intricate details when transitioning from sketches to digital designs.
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Skills:
Process:
The concept behind "4 Cities, 4 Capitals" was to encapsulate the diversity and cultural wealth of Iran within its currency. Each city chosen for this project plays a pivotal role in the nation's identity:
Concept and Inspiration:
Tehran:
Political Capital
Tehran, as the political heart of Iran, symbolizes power, governance, and modernity. The design elements for Tehran’s currency focus on its role in shaping the nation's political landscape, featuring key landmarks and symbols of authority.
Embossed stamp of Iran's map on both sides of the banknote.
Embossed design on numbers based on the Azadi Tower pattern.
Esfahan:
Art and Architecture Capital
Known for its stunning architecture and artistic heritage, Esfahan represents the zenith of Persian art and design. The currency design dedicated to Esfahan incorporates intricate patterns, historic monuments, and the city’s renowned blue-tiled mosques.
Background texture created using moiré lines.
Raised pattern on numbers inspired by Esfahan's tilework.
Toos:
The Capital of Poetry and Music
Toos is celebrated for its rich poetic and musical traditions, being the birthplace of famous Persian poets like Ferdowsi. The design reflects the lyrical beauty and rhythm that characterize the city’s cultural output, using motifs inspired by Persian poetry and musical instruments
Phoenix motif inspired by the Shahnameh, with holographic thread for security
Raised numbers featuring designs from Persian carpets and miniatures
Shiraz:
The Historical Capital
Shiraz, often referred to as the cradle of Persian civilization, is steeped in history and culture. The currency design for Shiraz draws upon its historical significance, featuring ancient ruins, gardens, and references to Persian literature and philosophy.
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Embossed numbers inspired by motifs from Persepolis.
Background design inspired by Persian calligraphy