Employing Mesopotamian ornaments in precast designs in Iraq

Concrete poured in the form of a structural element (such as a panel or beam) before it is placed in the final position is called precast. There are a number of companies that produce precast in modern Iraq, and these companies produce simple products with little room for ornamentation. In this research, it is aimed to reveal designs that can be an alternative to these simple designs and contain ornamental elements. In this direction, designs have been created that benefit from the visual repertoire of ancient Mesopotamia in the design of precast elements in Iraq. This is important in terms of reviving and carrying the legacy of the ancient Iraqi civilization into the present. Although previous studies used historical Iraqi shapes and symbols in their designs on various materials including carpets, pottery, and mural painting, there is a gap in the precast designs in this respect. The proposed new designs are based on five selected models: Ishtar Gate, Lamassu, Lion of Babylon, Islamic Decoration, and Shanasheel. These models were converted into precast designs using Cinema 4D and Photoshop programs. This means an artistic touch to an industrial space. If applied, panels, fences, etc. these precast elements, which will take place in daily life as structures, will have the opportunity to directly appeal to the aesthetic sensitivity of modern Iraqi society. Precast structures can also take an important place in the effort to revive and keep alive the historical and cultural values of Iraq. Keywords: Precast design, Iraq, Mesopotamian, Ornament