Platinum Building Materials and Construction Components Design · 2024
Drift Antibacterial Ceramic Wall Cladding
- A' Design Award 2024 Platinum Winner in Building Materials and Construction Components Design
- Awarded April 15, 2024
- CLIENT: Iris Ceramica Group
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 1,794,021
- Verification code D3EEBB17B1 · Verify this award
About Drift Antibacterial Ceramic Wall Cladding
Functionality defines the aesthetics, using new techniques to reinterpret eternal themes in an attempt to synthesize spatial quality through specific architectural gestures. Open to the elements, external space is protected by a canopy that creates a microclimate. Combining modern design with simplicity of shape, curves and crisp lines define a layout adjusting elegantly into any architectural context while permitting occupants to enjoy outdoor spaces regardless of weather conditions all year round.
Niko Kapa's Drift Antibacterial Ceramic Wall Cladding, recipient of the Platinum A' Design Award in Building Materials and Construction Components, represents a significant achievement in the synthesis of functional performance and aesthetic sophistication within contemporary architectural material practice, the installation documented here demonstrating how advanced ceramic engineering can transform utilitarian transit infrastructure into spaces of remarkable visual poetry, the distinctive wave pattern etched across each panel creates a continuous flowing surface that softens the monumental scale of the underground chamber while introducing organic rhythm into what might otherwise read as severe industrial geometry, the material's antibacterial properties address contemporary concerns for hygiene in high-traffic public environments without compromising aesthetic ambition, the designer's approach suggests deep engagement with the phenomenology of architectural surfaces and their capacity to influence spatial experience through texture, light interaction, and pattern dynamics, the gray ceramic palette establishes dignified restraint appropriate to civic architecture while the undulating surface treatment catches ambient and artificial light in ways that create constantly shifting visual interest throughout the day, the amber illumination elements appear carefully calibrated to complement the cool ceramic tones, establishing chromatic warmth that humanizes the technological environment, this work invites contemplation of how material innovation in building components can elevate the everyday experience of moving through public space, transforming necessary infrastructure into opportunities for aesthetic engagement and sensory enrichment.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Ceramic wall panels can stand on their own but also develop patterns of visual continuity through modulation, an open ended process referring to Islamic motifs expanding infinitely. Their combination generates geometric patterns by simple rotation of slab, in order to achieve maximum degree of customisation with minimum use of construction elements. Module balances between geometric and abstract to fit different environments and ambience, with applications ranging from small to large scale.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Active Surfaces natural materials combine science and design to improve wellbeing in spaces people live in. Active Surfaces turn ceramic slabs into an ecoactive material with four superior properties which are antibacterial and antiviral, antipollution, antiodour and selfcleaning certified to ISO standards. These materials can degrade bacteria and viruses including SARS CoV2, polluting particles and molecules responsible for bad odours. Ecoactive surface is also more resistant to dirt making it easier to clean.
- Tags
- innovation, sustainability, ceramics, heritage, environment
- Production Technology
- DYS is a versatile on demand decoration service patented by Iris Ceramica, making possible to produce any kind of decoration on ceramic surfaces. The result is a unique customisation that turns ceramics into an authentic art form. Taking advantage of innovative printing possibilities, a dynamic dialogue with technology and progress is materialised combining abstract with geometric. Continuous ripples add plasticity to flat surfaces, reflecting continuity of printing process and technical features behind manufacture of ceramic slabs.
- Design Challenge
- Underscoring the relation among the conformation and the medium that is composed of, craft becomes a visual expression of the making activity as configuration seizes the memory of raw matter in the finished product. Converting impressions to physicality, place and memory are captured and preserved in space. Interplay of reflections and patterns reveals different textures in pools, spas and wellness centres. A visual reflection of people’s circulation in stations, shopping centres and public areas, flow is converted to spatial experience.
- Project Duration
- The project was completed in 2023.
- Operation Flow
- Encountering movement and plasticity, vibrations and pulses activate surfaces complementing ceramic slab texture and tactility. Employing metallic inks and tonal adjustments in combination with the wide range of Iris Ceramica slabs, users can add personality and distinctiveness in domestic habitat. Applied as cladding in building envelopes, geometric combinations form a dialogue with mutability of topography and urban environment.
- Research
- With reference to traditional ceramics illustrating long history of building with earth, pottery lines highlight our common roots and deep connection with earth. Converting environment to artefact by combining natural and humanmade, project strengthens the correlation between material and final product through a conceptual process which underscores links among form and substance. Through visual and physical linkages, ceramic slabs design forges a strong link with what is made of, matter extracted from earth.
- Inspiration
- Inspired by natural landscape of Emirates the ceramic wall panels capture essence of place while bringing physical scenery in the manufactured. Linear pattern mimics sand ridges as curved and parabolic lines formed by interaction with wind engraving land are translated to fluid geometry, taking cues from landscape topographical contouring. Referring to unique local geography, desert dunes and terrain contours shaped by the wind illustrate how human trace intersects with the trace of time.
- Image Credits
- Studio Niko Kapa
Colors of Drift Antibacterial Ceramic Wall Cladding
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