À la Ronde. AA Intermediate Unit 2 Winter Term Technical Studies Brief Ana Araujo Ceramic Consultant: Patricia Mato-Mora

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1 À la Ronde AA Intermediate Unit 2 Winter Term Technical Studies Brief Ana Araujo Ceramic Consultant: Patricia Mato-Mora

2 Ceramics is one of the most durable man-made materials. Its volumetric heat capacity is remarkable, it is infinitely diverse in the visual effects it can achieve, as well as warm and sensuous when applied to architectural spaces. However, it is often ruled out of the design process of a building due to the vast amount of waste it produces, and the relatively large failure rate of the pieces manufactured. Fired ceramics can last millennia; unfired clay (adobe), can be recycled easily if ground and mixed with water once again. Every time it is left out from the design of a building, its durability and recyclability as a construction material are not being taken advantage of. Figure 1: Watts Chapel, Guildford (Surrey, UK); photography Patricia Mato-Mora, 2013 Figure 1: Watts Chapel, Guildford (Surrey, UK); photography Patricia Mato-Mora, 2013 An informed application of ceramics to the built environment could pave the way for buildings with greater lifespan specifications. Inter 2 s ceramic sessions are aimed at narrowing down the material palette of architecture; investigating ceramics in great depth, and its potential for architectural applications. We will explore the feasibility of the material for construction purposes - a good, sustainable and durable alternative to concrete.

3 Our research will start by exploring the material processes and haptic knowledge commonly found in studio ceramics - we will investigate how to scale them up in order to create spatial experiences that have equally compelling aesthetic and material qualities. We will be producing full-size prototypes that physically translate the techniques observed in studio pottery into works at an architectural scale. Rafael Guastavino, who exported his knowledge of Spanish tile construction from Valencia to the United States in the late 1800s, and Antoni Gaudí, whose multifarious applications of ceramics revolutionised the architecture of his time; are among the precedents that our research is drawing upon. Figure 2: Wayne Higby, Temple s Gate Pass, 1988, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of KPMG Peat Marwick 1988, Wayne Higby

4 Figure 3: Rafael Guastavino Structural Tile Figure 4: Ceramic Courtyard, by Antoni Gaudí

5 Ceramics ties together the architectural traditions of several countries, and the UK is no exception think about Victorian follies, London pubs with glazed-brick facades, or the Royal Albert Hall. These traditions differ in the aesthetic palette employed, as well as the motifs depicted. However, the UK ceramic construction sector is ready for a revival: the industry of ceramics for construction purposes has declined steeply over the course of the twentieth century. Acquiring extensive skills both in the chemical formulation of the clays and their applications will enable us to make a better case for ceramics in architectural settings, building upon our architecture training. With the relevant skills of craftsmanship, and aided by digital technology, ceramic manufacturing of architectural components needn t be wasteful or expensive. The unit will promote an inquisitive academic framework, where students will be encourage to develop this skill set, both at a practical and an intellectual level. Designing through making at an architectural scale is core to our practice. Our design solutions are found within the constraints of the ceramic material. Figure 5: Cristina Iglesias, Vegetation Room at Inhotim

6 AA Intermediate 2 [Technical Studies] Figure 6: Miquel Barceló, Miracle of the Loaves (detail), Cathedral of Palma de Mallorca Figure 7: Miquel Barceló, Miracle of the two Fish (detail), Cathedral of Palma de Mallorca

7 1. Introduction to Ceramics - Patricia Mato-Mora January 19th, pm - Why ceramics? Materiality and the built environment - Ceramics in architecture - Case studies - Ceramic techniques - Slipcasting: Componentry, Mouldmaking, Casting, Firing, Glazing - Extrusion - Press-moulding - Throwing - Handbuilding 2. Ceramics Seminar & Workshop - Patricia Mato-Mora January 22nd, am to 5pm - Slipcasting: Componentry, Mouldmaking, Casting, Firing - Handbuilding - Glaze Formulation - Glaze Formulation - Digital fabrication & ceramics

8 3. Invited Speaker: Kate Malone [Glaze Research & Architectural Ceramics] Date tbc Kate Malone is one of the UK s leading ceramic artists with an illustrious career spanning thirty years. She lives with her husband and daughter in North London where she also has her studio. Kate Malone s first encounter with clay was at school aged 14. She describes this as a eureka moment of discovery as she was instantly fascinated and drawn to this extraordinary material. Having spent many years creating unique, hand-made pots and intricately ornamented sculptures, Kate has developed an unmistakable and highly regarded style. In my own ceramic art work I am inspired by the optimism and joy in nature. My highly-coloured, natural forms brim with a sense of growth and abundance and aim to communicate the Life Force to the viewer. Kate has always endeavored to make her artwork accessible to enthusiasts of all levels and dedicates much of her time to sharing her skills and expertise. She frequently visits schools and her work has been studied as part of the National Curriculum for Art over many years. She is also a regular contributor at specialist art events and has recently created a series of videos (available online) that reveal more about her making process. Observations of nature, particularly its fruits, nuts and berries are the overriding influence in Kate s work. In addition to her exploration of nature, Kate has spent her career pioneering glazing techniques via research and experimentation in the chemistry of glazing. The sophistication of her glazes has led to some interesting collaborations with prominent architects and designers, working on inspiring public art projects in hospitals, schools, parks and libraries. Most recently, Kate has worked with EPR Architects to design bespoke tiles to clad a seven-storey building in the heart of Mayfair. Artist statement courtesy of Adrian Sassoon. Figure 8: Kate Malone, Daisy Mother Pumpkin

9 4. [Optional] - Visit to Victoria and Albert Ceramics, Glass and Architecture Collections Saturday January 23rd, 10am (Meet at Thurloe Place / Cromwell Road entrance - pictured) Bring a sketchbook. Assignment: Prior to the workshop on January 19th, please select one or two ceramic case studies to study in depth. These can be architectural, found in the V&A collections, or belonging to contemporary art practice. These will form part of your TS portfolio, and will inform your technical research throughout the term. The only criterion for selection is to choose (a) precedent(s) relevant for your project this year. two images of the chosen precedent, and 25 words explaining your choice, by January 17th, 12noon (please CC pmatomora@googl .com). This will help to tailor the presentation and workshop on January 19th to each of your individual projects.

10 CERAMIC TECHNICAL BIBLIOGRAPHY In addition to Inter 2 Bibliography AA Intermediate 2 [Technical Studies] Books in Architectural Association Library Khalili, Nader, Ceramic houses and earth architecture : how to build your own. Hesperia, Calif. : Cal-Earth Press, 2008, c1990. AA Library Code: KHA Ochsendorf, John Allen, Guastavino Vaulting: The Art of Structural Tile. New York : Princeton Architectural ; Enfield : Publishers Group UK, AA Library Code: OCH Pierce, Christopher (Ed.), Ceramica Cumella: Shaping Ideas = Modelando Ideas. Madrid: Prometeo, 2013 AA Library Code: 738:92 CUM Pirovano, C., Gio Ponti: Ceramiche AA Library Code: (45):92 PON PIR ** Store Book - Request well in advance! Salazar, Jaime, and Sakamoto, Tomoko (Eds.), Rhythms, Cycles, Performances: Ceramics in Architecture. Castellon: Ascer, 2010 AA Library Code: :738 SAL Tardiveau, Armelle, Moulding, Assembling, Designing: Ceramics in Architecture. Castellon, Spain: Ascer; Barcelona: Distributed by Actar, AA Library Code: :738 TAR Von Dassow, Sumi (Ed.), Barrel, pit and saggar firing : a collection of articles from Ceramics monthly. Westerville, OH : American Ceramic Society, AA Library Code: 738 VON Books in Royal College of Art Library [Interlibrary Loan] NOTE: The Ceramics Handbooks series from A&C Black Publishing are all very good and useful; will bring some with me to the ceramics workshops. A selection is shown below. Barceló, Miquel, and Torres, Agustí, La Catedral Bajo el Mar / The Cathedral Under the Sea. Barcelona: Galaxia Gutenberg, 2005 RCA Library Code: M BAR Bivar-Segurado, Dominique, Wall Pieces. London: A&C Black Publishing Ltd., 2009 RCA Library Code: BIV Colclough, John, Mould Making. London: A&C Black Publishing Ltd., 1999 RCA Library Code: COL De Waal, Edmund, and Clare, Claudia, The Pot Book. London: Phaidon, RCA Library Code: DEW De Waal, Edmund, Ceramics [Design Sourcebook]. London : New Holland, RCA Library Code: 738 DEW Hamilton, David, The Thames & Hudson Manual of Architectural Ceramics. London: Thames & Hudson, RCA Library Code: HAM AA Library Code: HAM ** Also in AA Library!

11 Marsh, Ian, and Robison, Jim, Slab Techniques. London: A&C Black Publishing Ltd., 2010 RCA Library Code: ROB Ponti, Gio, Ceramica e Architettura. Firenze: Centro Di, c RCA Library Code: PON Robison, Jim, Large-Scale Ceramics. London: A&C Black Publishing Ltd., 2005 RCA Library Code: ROB Scott, Paul, Ceramics and Print. London: A&C Black Publishing Ltd., 2005 RCA Library Code: SCO Books in National Art Library [Open to all upon registration] Barcelo, Miquel, New Paintings and Ceramics. London: Timothy Taylor Gallery, NAL Code: 607.AC.0489 Gere, Charlotte, et al., Closer to home : the restoration of Leighton House and catalogue of the reopening displays London : The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, c2010. NAL Code: N/A Juncosa, Enrique, Miquel Barcelo: ceramiques = ceramicas. Madrid: Fundacio Juan March [Editorial Arte y Ciencia], c NAL Code: 603.AC.1200 Exhibitions Random Growth, curated by Sarah Myerscough. Phos Art + Design, Brooks Mews, Mayfair, London, W1K 4DS [Until January 13th, 2016] Leighton House: A Victorian Folly. 12 Holland Park Road Kensington, London W14 8LZ Watts House Gallery and Chapel. Down Ln, Compton, Guildford, Surrey GU3 1DQ Case Study Suggestions - Feel free to suggest others Antoni Cumella - Ceramica Cumella Miquel Barcelo Edmund de Waal Adam Nathaniel Furman Antoni Gaudi Andy Goldsworthy Rafael Guastavino Rachel Kneebone Margaret O Rourke Grayson Perry (Grayson Perry & FAT: A House for Essex) Gio Ponti James Rigler Carlo Scarpa Christina Schou Christensen Sasha Wardell

12 AA Intermediate Unit 2,