Istanbul Commerce University Faculty of Architecture and Design Industrial Design Department student earns national recognition with award-winning ceramic tile design inspired by geological formations
Istanbul Commerce University Faculty of Architecture and Design, Department of Industrial Design student Ilgın Merve Tekin has been awarded Second Prize at the 13th Zeki Yurtbay Design Awards with her ceramic tile design project titled “Strata.” Inspired by the layered structure of the Earth’s crust, the project was developed within the scope of the Industrial Ceramics course and was recognized by the jury for its original design language and manufacturability.
Students of Istanbul Commerce University continue to distinguish themselves through their achievements on national design platforms. Ilgın Merve Tekin, a third-year student in the Department of Industrial Design, received second place in the competition with her “Strata” design project developed as part of the Industrial Ceramics course. Organized under the theme “30 Years, 30 Steps,” the competition honored projects that demonstrated innovation and creativity. “Strata” was awarded second prize for its contemporary interpretation of the Earth’s layered geological structure and volcanic formation processes.
The award-winning project was developed within the Industrial Ceramics course offered in the Department of Industrial Design curriculum. Supervised by Lecturer Aybike Eser, the project successfully combined aesthetic value, an original design approach, and production feasibility, distinguishing itself during the jury evaluation process.
Designed as a 45 × 45 cm ceramic wall tile for interior applications, the product features a micro-relief surface that enhances the interplay of light and shadow. At the same time, its technical characteristics were carefully developed to comply with ceramic manufacturing requirements.
“Strata” was conceived around the idea of transforming the hidden energy beneath the Earth’s surface into a visual and tactile experience. Its layered formal language evokes the topographical traces created during the cooling of lava, while the relief patterns on the surface add depth, movement, and visual dynamism.
The design incorporates tones of anthracite, basalt gray, and oxide brown, reinterpreting natural geological formations through a contemporary design perspective. Forms positioned along the edges and corners of the tiles enable seamless modular applications, creating a continuous visual flow and a cohesive surface composition.
As Istanbul Commerce University, we congratulate our student Ilgın Merve Tekin on her outstanding achievement in securing second place at the 13th Zeki Yurtbay Design Awards, and we also extend our appreciation to Lecturer Aybike Eser for her academic supervision and guidance. We wish them continued success in their future endeavors.
