Küpsema

Küpsema is a term encountered in Turkish design and architectural discourse describing a motif or concept that combines cubic form with spatial openness. The word itself is a compound of küp (cube) and sema (sky, heaven; also used in architectural contexts to refer to domed or vaulted space). In Turkish-language sources, küpsema is used to discuss how cubic volumes can be arranged, perceived, or stylized within built forms and graphic design.

Definition and usage

Küpsema commonly refers to decorative or formal arrangements that employ interlocking or repeated cube-like shapes, producing a sense of rhythm and three-dimensionality. The term is not widely standardized in international scholarship, and its exact interpretation can vary by author. In architectural discussions, küpsema may describe facade treatments, cornices, or ornament that emphasizes modular cubic units. In art and graphic design, it can denote cubic-based abstractions or tessellations intended to evoke a contemporary yet classical geometric aesthetic.

Origins and context

The usage of küpsema appears predominantly in Turkish-language sources and conversations about geometric ornament, modern Turkish art, and related architectural discussions. Because it is not a universally defined term, writers may emphasize different aspects—geometric regularity, modularity, or the interaction of cube forms with light and space.

See also

Geometric tiling, Cube (geometry), Sacred geometry, Islamic geometric patterns, Turkish architectural ornament.