Abstract:

In the globalized world, we spend an increasing time of our lives in train stations, subway stations, bus stops, airports, highways and shopping malls. This study examines the factors that facilitate wayfinding in transition places as such and the effects of artwork on wayfinding in transition places through examples of artwork in the world and in Turkey. Another aim of the study is to analyse the awareness of passengers about artwork and artists, and by utilizing artwork as landmarks in metro stations, investigate the possibility of raising public awareness of the arts and educating onlookers. In the study, the landmarks were used to increase the legibility and the memorability of the space. The artworks of famous Turkish artists in the fields of photography, ceramics, graffiti, painting and design were used as landmarks at the central Konak Metro station in Izmir, Turkey. Detailed interviews were conducted with passengers, and they were asked to choose among visualisations of a variety of artworks applied to photographs of the five exits at the metro station. Findings showed that, passengers’ choice of artwork was generally different in terms of aesthetics and legibility. Artworks with figures were chosen in wayfinding because they could be described more easily. Colorful and striking artwork helped wayfinding, while aesthetically more calm and familiar artworks were preferred. Of all the types of artwork shown, paintings were more preferred, and graffiti was chosen as appropriate for the subway station because it suited the urban context more. In this case, it was found that people chose the artwork type they were accustomed to. The study showed that, artwork in transition spaces as such may help wayfinding through legibility and memorability, acting as landmarks, as well as educate the general public through continuous exposure.

Keywords:

Artwork, art education, landmark, wayfinding, metro stations.