Futurism in landscape design: An experimental park design in Ankara, Mogan Lake

Abstract

The futurism is an innovative design approach in art and architecture emerged at the beginning of 20th Century which is linked with science and new environmental/architectural technologies. Futurism was first discussed by Filippo Tommaso Marinetti in 1909 with a manifesto. Then, Antonio Sant'Elia carried futurism to urban scale by La Citta Nuova aiming to create a sustainable city for the benefit of humanity. The main characteristics of futurism are the dynamism and movement in design, speed, motion, dynamic structures built in modern cities by the use of technology and science. Afterward, futurism was redefined and gained further properties integrated the space age and new development in environmental and building technologies with dynamic and amazing forms, materials and high-tech architecture as well as urban and landscape design approaches. In this study, futurism was identified as a design trend and its developments throughout history was set. Then, the reflection of futurism in urban and landscape design was discussed and at the final stage an experimental futuristic landscape park design was offered after survey and site analysis studies for the selected area near Mogan Lake in Ankara. In the evaluation phase the 'weighted overlay' method was used by using ArcGIS software with reference to the suitability analysis studies. Then, the area was designed with an energy-efficient approach having solar and wind panels, urban furniture powered by solar and wind energy, and solar-powered roads at various levels and suitable locations in the urban park area according to the results of the analysis studies. Besides land use, hardscape and plantation design were all conducted due to the principles of the futuristic landscape design phenomenon.