Ain Shams Engineering Journal (Apr 2024)
Investigation of meaning and centrality relationship in the statues used in Çankırı urban landscape
Abstract
Statue is the three-dimensional concrete form created by the designer with materials that he determines depending on his purpose. Statues in urban landscapes are elements of artistic, aesthetic and cultural importance in the life of societies. In this study, answers to the following two questions are sought: (1) Does the meaning of statues in urban landscapes reach the urbanite? (2) Are the location and characteristics of the placement sites of the statues a factor in this semantic awareness? In this context, first of all, general design principles within the scope of urban landscape design were discussed in this study. Then, 8 statues selected from Çankırı city center were photographed and classified according to their types of use (cultural, historical, traditional, aesthetic, and industrial). Then, the physical components of statues in their relations with urban landscapes, such as volume, form, material and placement, and the factors affecting the perception of societies of statues were examined within the scope of Gestalt theory perception theory and design principles. Finally, the relationships of the statues with the urban landscape were evaluated in terms of their centrality relations using the Graph Common software. As a result of the research, it was observed that the statues in Çankırı were generally not complicated, had symbolic qualities and appropriate preferences were made in the selection of statues. In addition, the statues reflect the historical and cultural structure of the city, but there is a need for sculptural works that will further support the city's identity. Although there are some errors in the location and size of the Ox cart Statue, Embrace Stone and Yaren statues, there are no major problems that cannot be corrected. As a result of the study, recommendations were put forward in the light of all these findings.
