The transformative role of digital art in public space: an experimental study on Haydarpaşa silos

Abstract

This thesis investigates the transformative potential of digital art in public spaces through a combined theoretical and empirical approach. In its first part, it establishes a conceptual framework by distinguishing "space" (a measurable, abstract void) from "place" (space endowed with human meaning), and by examining how public space has historically functioned as a site of social interaction, political representation and collective memory. Drawing on Lefebvre, Habermas and Arendt, the study emphasises that public space is not merely defined by its physical accessibility but by the practices—deliberation, protest, celebration—that give it its democratic and cultural significance. The emergence of digital technologies has added new layers of interactivity and temporality to this field, enabling artworks to intervene in the public sphere in ways that simultaneously alter perception, social dynamics and the built environment. The literature review surveys landmark global examples of digital public art, including Rafael Lozano-Hemmer - Border Tuner and Voice Tunnel, Refik Anadol - WDCH Dreams, Krzysztof Wodiczko - Hiroshima Projection, NOHlab - Yekpare, and Ryoji Ikeda - Spectra series. These case studies demonstrate how large-scale projections, interactive sensors, augmented reality and immersive light-and-sound installations can create temporary spatial reconfigurations, elicit collective participation and embed new narratives in urban memory. Building on these insights, the thesis presents an in-depth case study of the abandoned Haydarpaşa Silos in Istanbul. Using Rhinoceros and Blender, two distinct digital animations—an immersive piece titled "Vanishing Absence" and a reflective work named "Unveiling Veil"—were modelled and rendered, then evaluated through a survey of eighty urban residents. Participants rated each scenario on affective adjectives and site-usage intentions, and their open-ended comments were thematically analysed. The results show that "Vanishing Absence" produced stronger perceptual and behavioural shifts—higher engagement, a greater sense of vitality and increased likelihood of return visits—while "Unveiling Veil" also fostered positive sentiment but to a lesser extent. By sequentially adopting the roles of researcher, artist, and designer, the author demonstrates that digital art can meaningfully reshape both the symbolic and functional dimensions of public space, even in the absence of permanent physical transformations. Its most enduring effect lies in revising collective mental images and stimulating renewed attention to overlooked sites. Recommendations for future practice include incorporating multisensory data (e.g., sound maps, biometrics), engaging local communities and authorities in co-design, and planning long-term installations to assess sustained impacts on urban life and memory.