Seating units designed inspired by the cultural elements of Anatolian civilizations

Abstract

Anatolia has hosted various civilizations as a bridge between the continents of Asia and Europe for thousands of years. Among the civilizations that flourished in the region are the Hittite, Phrygian, Urartian, Lydian, Persian, and Ionian periods. In the Furniture Design I course, seating units inspired by these civilizations were used as materials. The aim of this study is to ensure cultural continuity within the context of interior architecture by enabling interior architecture students to use the historical elements of Anatolia as a source of inspiration for contemporary designs. A mixed methods design was utilized in the study. Qualitative methods such as case study, content analysis, and visual analysis were employed. For the quantitative methods, comparative analysis was used. The findings obtained within the scope of the study have revealed that art and religious elements are the most widely used cultural elements in design processes. Additionally, the high integration rates of cultural elements, such as historical and continuous symbols, social life, traditions, and customs into the designs create a bridge between the past and the future and ensure cultural continuity. In this context, the use of cultural elements in designs not only adds aesthetic and functional richness but also serves to preserve social memory and transmit it to future generations.