Visualizing Architectural Ephemera: The Case of Ankara Balcony Balustrades 1950-75

Abstract

Presents how a digital collection is translated/visualized within a computation interface for the study of collections named Grouper. Considers Ankara balconies balustrades as ephemera and observes them through a speculative realism lens. The case of “Ankara balconies balustrade 1950-75” is a collection to digitize and preserve which poses challenges for its visualization. Architectural buildings are commonly regarded as lasting artifacts and not associated with the transient program of ephemera. However, in a rapidly transforming urban fabric architecture and its components disappear in a relatively short time. This disappearance discards rich baggage of memories and socio-cultural references of the community. Within this unique lens, architectural elements might be observed as ephemera and worth observation and preservation through digital collections. In this study, we take into consideration a particular architectural element, the balcony balustrade, to examine its role in modern architecture in Turkey and its effect in shaping the city and the image of a neighborhood to its citizens. The richness of the collection, around 2000 samples, the related data, and the intrinsic value of the collection enticed a research project*. As a result, we see this case as a trial in approaching data visualization and interface for cultural heritage collections through a speculative realism lens and the conceptualization of architecture (elements) as ephemera, a way to open new possibilities in exploring other artifacts as objects. *Scientific Research Project [BAP086] entitled “Interactive Digital Exhibits To Experience Architectural Heritage: The Case of Balcony Balustrades of Ankara (1950-1975)” was funded by Yaşar University

Presenters

Zeynep Tuna Ultav
Associate Professor, Interior Architecture and Environmental Design, Yasar University, Turkey

Daniele Savasta
Assistant Professor, Visual Communication Design Department, Izmir University of Economics, Turkey

Gökhan Keski̇n
Lecturer, Interior Architecture and Environmental Design, Yasar University, Turkey

Details

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation in a Themed Session

Theme

Visual Design

KEYWORDS

Data Visualization, Cultural Heritage Collections, Architectural Ephemera, Balcony Balustrades

Digital Media

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