Archi-Sculp

Title : Reconstruction of Missing Architectural Elements in Historical Buildings Through Contemporary Sculpture Design

and Digital Applications for Revitalizing Urban Memory

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Summary

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This project aims to reconstruct and complete missing or damaged architectural elements in ten selected historical

buildings from different periods of Istanbul using contemporary art and sculpture practices without making permanent

interventions. An artistic research process has been designed to offer viewers an innovative restoration approach that

merges historical and contemporary possibilities, diverging from conventional completion techniques. The project seeks

to enhance the visual memory of individuals navigating the city and make the missing elements in urban memory visible

again through contemporary art.

The process of completing the missing architectural elements will be documented through visual and technical tools,

making them accessible in both virtual and physical environments. An interdisciplinary approach has been adopted,

drawing from architecture, sculpture, urban design, documentary photography, the digitization of cultural heritage, and

architectural design technologies.

The placement of the designed works will be carefully planned to ensure that the historical structures or textures remain

unharmed. The project envisions precise artistic interventions that preserve the original integrity of the buildings. These

interventions, carried out without harming conservation and restoration processes, will offer an innovative approach that

integrates with the historical fabric. Temporary permits will allow for the physical placement of works, ensuring optimal

visual and realistic data transfer to digital platforms. The digital presentation of visuals that reconstruct the missing parts

of the historical buildings, along with comprehensive data on the structures, will enable viewers to gain a deeper

understanding of the sites. The project's widespread impact will be developed through the intersection of art, design,

and technology.

A mobile application and Augmented Reality (AR) technology will be integrated into the project, providing an interactive

experience for viewers. Site-specific studies will identify locations and missing architectural elements, leading to the

creation of sketches, models, and digital renderings. The works, uniquely completed through an artistic interpretation

using three-dimensional production techniques, will be temporarily exhibited in the physical space before being

removed. However, their interactive digital presentations will continue, leaving a lasting impact on the viewer’s memory.

This alternative artistic interpretation will serve as a presentable, visualized, and archivable design proposal for

professional conservation and restoration projects.

The project stands as a significant example of how contemporary art practices, combined with technology, can offer new

perspectives on urban memory and public perception of Istanbul’s historical heritage. It will be carried out with an

interdisciplinary approach, including exhibitions, workshops, and academic publications.

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Keywords: Cultural heritage, contemporary sculpture, urban design, modeling, augmented reality (AR)

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