ABSTRACT This study tackles the topic of design in Iraq: its emergence and its signification of modernity since the post-independent era, during which Iraq was a regional center of pioneering Arabic movements in modern literature, arts, and architecture. Emergent design practices are visible in architecture and urban planning, which were delivered by key international architects. This study presents a historical account and contextual analysis of the vital contributions that these designs made to supporting the Iraqi modernity project. Moreover, it indicates the significant role and strategic domination of the sociopolitical order in shaping design practices and education in the country. Methodologically, this study draws from unstructured conversations with members of the Iraqi design community, followed by thematic and context analysis to identify design discourses transformation. The analysis demonstrates that in Iraq design: (a) is a signifier of modernity; (b) contributes to the enhancement of cultural identity and industrialization; (c) has been redirected toward patriotism; and (d) now suffers from decline and chaos.

摘要 本研究探讨伊拉克的设计主题：自独立后时代以来它的出现及其对现代性的意义，在此期间，伊拉克是现代文学、艺术和建筑领域阿拉伯先锋运动的区域中心。新兴设计实践在建筑和城市规划中可见，由主要国际建筑师提供。本研究对这些设计对支持伊拉克现代性项目的重要贡献进行了历史说明和背景分析。此外，它表明社会政治秩序在塑造该国的设计实践和教育方面的重要作用和战略主导地位。在方法论上，这项研究来自与伊拉克设计界成员的非结构化对话，其次是主题和背景分析，以确定设计话语的转变。分析表明，在伊拉克设计： (a) 是现代性的标志；(b) 有助于加强文化认同和工业化；(c) 已转向爱国主义；(d) 现在正遭受衰落和混乱。