The role and transformation of ceramic art in architectural surface design

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to examine the historical and contemporary position of ceramic art in architectural surface design within a comprehensive framework that extends from the Seljuk and Ottoman tile heritage to the public mural applications of Republican-era artists. Materials and Methods: The research is based on qualitative methods such as historical analysis, descriptive interpretation, comparative surface examinations, and digital archive reviews; academic literature, visual archives, and artistic productions constitute the primary data sources. Findings: The findings indicate that ceramics functioned as both a symbolic and aesthetic component of architectural surfaces during the Seljuk and Ottoman periods; that in the post-Republican era, artist–architect collaborations contributed to the development of a modern surface language in public spaces; and that today ceramics are being redefined through new design approaches supported by digital technologies. Discussion: The results reveal that ceramic surface design, while carrying the continuity of a historical tradition, has evolved into a dynamic design domain that generates meaning, identity, and spatial coherence within contemporary architectural practice. Conclusion: Ceramics hold a significant position in architectural surfaces not merely as a decorative material but as a multifaceted design interface that integrates cultural memory, aesthetic expression, and technological innovation.