DESIGN CONCEPT

Proposed design merges traditional craftsmanship with advanced digital design methods. Ornamental complexity of the traditional tiles is re-interpreted and translated through computational means. The most characteristic feature of the tiles is the dotted pattern, meandering between difference and repetition.

Pic. Programmable pattern configurations

MATERIALITY, SIZE AND COLOR SCHEME

Design consists of 4 different patterns; each of them applied on the right-angled triangular ceramic tile the size of 20X20X28 cm. These triangular modules can be arranged in various ways, offering endless configurations: from regular and symmetrical to dynamic, non-repetitive creations. Alternatively, tiles with the dotted pattern could be also combined with plain white ones.

Pic. 4 different tile variations

Color scheme is inspired by the blue-and-white pottery used in Chinese porcelain in the 14th century that spread into Islamic ceramics or European tin-glazed earthenware. In order to provoke associations with this renowned, elaborated craft and tradition, proposed design follows a similar color scheme. The tiles are glazed white and decorated with a blue pigment – cobalt oxide. Design attempts to reinterpret the traditional craft of ceramic making through digital means, maintaining intricacy, complexity and delicacy of handmade ceramics and in the same time encouraging new aesthetics.

ARCHITECTURAL APPLICATION/ CONTEXT

Delicacy and symmetry of the pattern evoke a notion of familiarity that has grounding and calming effect on people interacting with it. This positive influence can be beneficial for creating comfortable and cozy homelike environments in the public sector. Spatial qualities of kindergartens, retirement homes or nursing facilities are often neglected in favor of cheap and efficient solutions. “NEW DELFT BLUE” proposes rehabilitation of one of such buildings through ceramic tiles in order to create unique ambient and atmosphere. Depending on the function different tile configurations would be applicable: either symmetrical grounding patterns or more dynamic arrangements stimulating brain activity and concentration. Tiles could be used either as static applications for walls or floors or as dynamic pieces (table plates a.s.o.), where kids, patients or elderly people could actively change and reconfigure the constellations.

Project won the 1. Prize in the first phase of the International Newcomer Competition TILE AWARD 2017 in the category HELP/CARE. The “TILE AWARD” has been initiated by ceramic tiles specialist in architecture AGROB BUCHTAL in collaboration with AIT- Dialog for the fourth time.

Pic. space visualisations

Project was further developed during the Tile Award Workshop in Iceland. Initial design was adjusted and applied into a caldarium space. The new Stardust collection consists of flat right-angled triangular tiles, 35x35x50 cm each. Four of them together create a square module of 50×50 cm, an ideal unit for the ceramic topography of the space.

Pic. space visualisation

Two different dotted patterns are digitally printed on the ceramic, allowing for various, non-repetitive configurations. Tiles are available in 5 different colors: dark blue, cornflower blue, pale azure, turquoise, tea green, while the whole collection consists of 10 different prints. Light in the space of the caldarium reminds of the old traditional Turkish baths where the light comes from little openings in the ceiling. Similar light effect can be observed on a misty day in the forest, where the dimmed light passes through the crowns of the trees.

Pic. catalogue of  the available colors

The only source of light in the proposed space is a central rectangular opening in the ceiling, covered with semi-opaque glass.  Indirect light coming from above will revive the inner space, coming into play with the delicate dotted patterns, gradients of colors and reflections; creating an immersive, meditative space with unique ambient.

Pic. section & floor plan drawings