SO? architecture and ideas stack ceramic hill at the royal academy of arts

SO? architecture and ideas stack ceramic hill at the royal academy of arts
image © hufton+crow

this summer, a bold urban intervention made from ceramics occupies the entrance space of the royal academy of arts‘ burlington gardens. turkishceramics commissioned SO? architecture and ideas to interpret to the concept of ‘transformation’ in both building and material, particularly encouraged to reconsider traditional ceramics. the emerging istanbul-based practice has realized ‘unexpected hill’, a participatory design that explores how a 2D material, most commonly implemented as a decorative element, can create a 3-dimensional structure intended for public use. the installation transforms a currently unused space into an area for relaxation, exploration and collaboration.

the design explores how a 2D material can create a 3-dimensional structure intended for public use
image © hufton+crow

the geometric configuration that characterizes ‘unexpected hill’ is drawn from ceramic patterns found in architecture. sevince bayrak, co-founder of SO? architecture and ideas explains, ‘we manipulated a geometrical pattern of triangles to create a 3D form. as an example of using geometry to convert a 2D object into a 3D space, the structural principles of muqarnas [a decorative device in traditional islamic architecture that utilises ceramics in radial symmetry] help us create a hill, the highest point of the 3D structure, which will be a tunnel that visitors can pass through.’

activated by public participation, the installation hosts a variety of initiatives to engage the public including an interactive ’tile wall’ designed by tamer nakışçı. the installation invites creative exploration of ceramic tiles and geometry with a 12 sqm magnetic wall and a selection of over 600 individual tiles.

the installation transforms a currently unused space into an area for relaxation, exploration and collaboration
image © hufton+crow