Module 3: Architectural Ceramics in Europe

Summary:

This research project focuses on the use of ceramics as a building material and in particular the use of decorative elements made of ceramics since the 19th century. The most important buildings of the partner countries will be summarized in a database. In addition, the database provides information about the buildings and the architectural ceramics used and gives information about the architects, artists, designers, and manufacturers who were involved in the creation of these buildings.

Responsible:

Museo Nacional de Cerámica y Artes Suntuarias »González Martí«, Valencia

Muzej primenjene umetnosti, Beograd

Ulster University Belfast campus

Duration:

1st December 2014 – 30th November 2018

Architectural Ceramics in Europe – Research Project

Since its most remote origins, the history of architecture has been inextricably bound to the development of ceramics, a material used as a purely constructive element before later exploiting its insulating and ornamental qualities.

The research project Architectural Ceramics in Europe focused on the use of ceramics in architecture by artists, architects, and industry, and analysed its expansion as an architectural decorative covering thanks to its use by some of the various European art movements of the time.

The module studied the main buildings, architects and artists that have used ceramics as an architectural element in Europe, the various uses of ceramics in architecture, the main European ceramic products, their technological innovations, their commercial relations, the circulation of new ceramic products and uses in Europe, and the future: design and sustainability.

The extraordinary results have been compiled in a database accessible via Internet in several European languages. It includes: the most significant European architectural heritage, important architects and artists using ceramics in architecture, the main ceramic industries and innovations within that industry, and a bibliography.

At the end of the project more than 250 buildings from 22 European countries will be listed, described and not less than 2000 dataset entries will be listed.

The database has a mandate to become a seminal reference for museums, universities, artists, collectors, designers, ceramic industry, and architects. The module shall raise awareness about the significance of ceramics in Europe’s architectural heritage and shall offer digitalised information as an overall basis of knowledge about it. First results were integrated within the exhibition module. The overall findings were also discussed at the EU-Project’s Congress „Ceramic Values: Can Ceramics make a difference?“ (see M10) and at a special symposium in Belgrade.

The module responsibles from Spain and the United Kingdom were so enthusiastic about the results which were much more complete than ever expected, that they decided to develop a special coffee table book, which was especially focusing on their countries’ tradition „Viewpoints: ceramics in architecture around Europe“.

Two case studies from community perspectives in Burslem and Cabanyal were initiated, written and published. Preceding this book, a Europewide photography competition was launched. To promote this competition, social media channels were used and finally two photo marathons took place around the Cabanyal neighbourhood in Valencia (Spain) and the Wedgewood Institute in Burslem, Stoke on Trent (UK). Over 400 entries document, how relevant the topic of architectural ceramics is. The 15 winners of the photo competition agreed to include their photographs in the coffee table book. The photographs are accompanied by texts, which aim to give diverse: the historic, the artistic and the activist’s perspectives on questions of regeneration and cultural activism.

Database with map

Link to the Database with map.

Social Media entries

#ArchitectureCeramicDimensionsCE on Instagram
#ArchitectureCeramicDimensionsCE on flickr

Coffeetablebook

Ceramics and its Dimensions Viewpoints eBookDownload PDF

Photocompetition
  1. Cabanyal
  2. Burslem
  3. Europe

 

Digital photo-repository

#ArchitectureCeramicDimensionsCE on Instagram
#ArchitectureCeramicDimensionsCE on flickr

External links

 

Suppliers and collaborators