Design of contemporary wall reliefs in the framework of material-form and human interaction with urban outdoor space: The case of the city of Afyonkarahisar

This research evaluated the characteristics of modern plastering and contemporary wall reliefs in urban space with human interaction and several examples of public space applications in the city of Afyonkarahisar. Modern relief, which uses new materials such as polymer plasters and resins, is known as an important element in urban design due to its properties such as high strength and fast hardening. In this research, the ways of using modern plasters in outdoor spaces i.e. parks and streets which are areas of social interaction have been analyzed and how such plasters can improve urban aesthetics and urban identity has been evaluated. The research results show that modern plastering and relief designs in the urban outdoor spaces in Afyonkarahisar can play an important role in attracting the interest of the city residents and the visitors. These designs create individual interaction between the viewer, i.e. the urban Decider and/or the visitor and urban spaces. Besides, original contemporary design approaches for form finding using appropriate materials and forms ensure that design practices are sustainable and contribute to the ancient culture of the city. Moreover, when the tourism potential of the cities is evaluated, it is seen that Afyonkarahisar is likely to attract the interest of visitors and have a positive impact on the city's economy. At the first stage of the research, it was proposed to increase urban-scale budgets for public art implementations, organize art competitions, and improve cooperation between the artists and the municipal councils in order to increase modern plastering and relief applications for the public spaces of the city. At the last stage of the research, the design process and the given interpretation of the theoretical foundations of the artworks were considered from the point of view of the designer who is a resident and a visitor as well. According to the results of the study, the forms for wall implementations can be made created using low-cost materials i.e. modern plasters; in order to develop urban art projects that prioritize city- human interaction that it can contribute to the formation and progression of a new urban identity with the evaluations of local residents and the visitors.