A Sustainable Design Vision for Upholstery Fabrics through Art Nouveau–Islamic Fusion
Kassem Khedr, S. (2025). A Sustainable Design Vision for Upholstery Fabrics through Art Nouveau–Islamic Fusion. EKB Journal Management System, 15(5), 227-245. doi: 10.21608/idj.2025.386923.1333
Shaimaa Sayed Kassem Khedr. "A Sustainable Design Vision for Upholstery Fabrics through Art Nouveau–Islamic Fusion". EKB Journal Management System, 15, 5, 2025, 227-245. doi: 10.21608/idj.2025.386923.1333
Kassem Khedr, S. (2025). 'A Sustainable Design Vision for Upholstery Fabrics through Art Nouveau–Islamic Fusion', EKB Journal Management System, 15(5), pp. 227-245. doi: 10.21608/idj.2025.386923.1333
Kassem Khedr, S. A Sustainable Design Vision for Upholstery Fabrics through Art Nouveau–Islamic Fusion. EKB Journal Management System, 2025; 15(5): 227-245. doi: 10.21608/idj.2025.386923.1333

A Sustainable Design Vision for Upholstery Fabrics through Art Nouveau–Islamic Fusion

International Design Journal
Article 17, Volume 15, Issue 5 - Serial Number 68, September and October 2025, Pages 227-245    PDF (2.39 M)
Document Type: Original Article
DOI: 10.21608/idj.2025.386923.1333
Author
Shaimaa Sayed Kassem Khedr
Department of Textile Printing, Dyeing and Finishing, Faculty of Applied Arts / Helwan University
Abstract
This study explores the integrative potential between Islamic art elements—including geometric, botanical, and calligraphic motifs—and the stylistic features of the Art Nouveau movement to develop sustainable designs for upholstery fabrics. The research is based on the hypothesis that a deliberate synthesis of both visual traditions can yield textile solutions that balance functional aesthetics, cultural identity, and environmental sustainability.
A dual-method approach was adopted, combining descriptive-analytical and experimental methodologies. The study analyzed the visual and philosophical characteristics of both styles, followed by the creation of seven digital design models that layered Islamic motifs with the organic, nature-inspired lines of Art Nouveau. Natural color palettes and modular elements were employed to reduce visual noise and support sustainable printing methods.
Findings demonstrated that Islamic motifs can be reconfigured into repeatable design modules without compromising their visual authenticity. When integrated with Art Nouveau's flowing aesthetics, the resulting textile designs were visually rich, adaptable, and environmentally conscious. The experimental work confirmed the designs' ability to minimize material waste and reinforce cultural identity in contemporary textile applications.
The study recommends developing hybrid digital ornament libraries and embedding cultural integration and sustainability principles into design education and industry practices, fostering a local yet globally relevant textile design approach.
Keywords
Upholstery Fabric Design; Art Nouveau; Islamic Art; Principle of Sustainability
Supplementary Files
References
  1. Altuzarra, J. (2023). Fashion designer Joseph Altuzarra unveils an eclectic line for Kravet. Architectural Digest. https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/fashion-designer-joseph-altuzarra-unveils-an-eclectic-line-for-kravet
  2. Blair, S. (2006). Islamic textiles. Saqi Books.
  3. Bony, A. (2005). Art Nouveau: Architecture and decorative arts. Terrail.
  4. Calloway, S. (1998). The elements of style. Mitchell Beazley.
  5. Heller, C. B. (1994). Art Nouveau furniture. Berghaus.
  6. Heller, S., & Chwast, S. (2008). Design literacy: Understanding graphic design (2nd ed.). Allworth Press.
  7. Islam, M. T., Al Mamun, M. A., Halim, A. F. M. F., et al. (2024). Current trends in textile wastewater treatment—bibliometric review. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 31, 19166–19184. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-024-32454-3
  8. Karagoz, H. F., Baykal, G., Eksi, I. A., & Unal, G. (2023). Textile pattern generation using diffusion models. arXiv preprint. https://arxiv.org/abs/2304.00520
  9. Miller, J. (2005). Furniture: World styles from classical to contemporary. Dorling Kindersley.
  10. Nagy, N. M. (2021). Textile designs suitable for use in the living room furnishings inspired by the decorative elements of the Art Nouveau and organic trends. International Design Journal, 11(3), 279–294. https://doi.org/10.21608/idj.2021.162525
  11. O'Kane, B. (2007). The world of Islamic art. American University in Cairo Press.
  12. Sachs, A., Bergdoll, B., Gamboni, D., & Ursprung, P. (2007). Nature design: From inspiration to innovation. Lars Müller Publishers.
  13. Sabri, M. F., Mokhtar, M., & Mahamood, M. (2022). The integrations of Islamic patterns in Malaysian contemporary art. International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development, 11(4), 437–450. https://doi.org/10.6007/IJARPED/v11-i4/15868
  14. Todd, P. (2004). The art and craft companion. Thames & Hudson.
  15. Von Hey, A. (2009). Art Nouveau. Tandem Verlag GmbH.
  16. Yeomans, R. (2006). The art and architecture of Islamic Cairo. Garnet Publishing.
Yılmaz, K., Aksu, İ. Ö., Göçken, M., & Demirdelen, T. (2024). Sustainable textile manufacturing with revolutionizing textile dyeing. Sustainability, 16(18), 8152. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16188152

27. Hassanein, M. H. A. (2008). Islamic Miniatures in Contemporary Artistic Craftwork. Cairo: 6 October University Publications.
28. Fouad, M. (2017). Ornamentation in Islamic Art. Cairo: Dar Al-Fikr Al-Arabi.

  1. William Morris Gallery. (n.d.). Retrieved May 15, 2025, from https://www.meisterdrucke.ae/artist/William-Morris.html
  2. The Guardian. (2018, June 7). Charles Rennie Mackintosh: A designer of the modern world. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2018/jun/07/charles-rennie-mackintosh-a
  3. Britannica. (n.d.). Louis Comfort Tiffany. Retrieved May 15, 2025, from https://www.britannica.com/biography/Louis-Comfort-Tiffany
  4. Apollo Magazine. (n.d.). Henry van de Velde – review. Retrieved May 15, 2025, from https://zephr.apollo-magazine.com/henry-van-de-velde-richard-hollis-review/
  5. Odysseys Unlimited. (n.d.). History dive: Antoni Gaudi – God's Architect. Retrieved May 15, 2025, from https://www.odysseys-unlimited.com/history-dive-antoni-gaudi-gods-architect-barcelona-spain/
Statistics
Article View: 358
PDF Download: 42