Journal of 3D Printing, Additive Manufacturing and Applications
Reviving Anatolian Heritage through Technology: 3D-Printed Textile Surfaces Based on Goynuk Motifs
Abstract
Serhat Guven
Anatolian motifs remain vital components of Turkey’s cultural heritage, serving as visual narratives that convey symbolic meaning, collective memory, and regional identity. Traditionally embedded in handcrafts such as weaving, embroidery, and textile design, these motifs have long functioned as a form of non-verbal communication. However, with the onset of industrialization, population growth, and the increasing demand for standardized, high-volume production, the use of such motifs in artisanal practices has significantly declined. This study explores the potential of digital fabrication to revive and reinterpret traditional designs by focusing on Tokalı Örtmeler (buckled coverings) from the Bolu-Göynük region. Among twenty-two original motifs documented through field research, five were selected for experimental development. These motifs were digitally redesigned and transformed into three-dimensional textile surfaces using accessible additive manufacturing tools. The process utilized 98A TPU Flex filament—chosen for its elasticity and suitability for fashion and textile applications. The experimental surfaces were produced in domestic settings using a consumer-grade 3D printer. Of the surfaces developed, two were selected for application-based testing under controlled design constraints. The study confirmed that 3D printing enables the creation of structurally innovative, culturally grounded surfaces that can be integrated into interior design or wearable products. By digitally archiving and adapting traditional motifs, this research offers a contemporary platform for the preservation, reinterpretation, and intergenerational transmission of intangible cultural heritage.