turkishceramics' vibrant gateways welcome visitors to designjunction

composed of four four-meter high ceramic tiled archways, turkishceramics unveils the ‘gateways’ temporary installation at granary square, king’s cross, for designjunction during london design festival 2017. designed by adam nathaniel furman, the gates lead visitors through the site’s central fountain space with a totally encompassing and mezmerizing walkway of colors and reflections, as well as of enriched details of craftsmanship and heritage.

image © hufton + crow

‘from the ishtar gate of babylon, the safavid facades of isfahan’s naqsh-e jahan square, and sinan’s divine ottoman mosques, to the maiolica cloisters of santa chiara in naples, the gothic terracotta of the soaring woolworth building in new york, and the famous red glazed ceramic underground stations of london, ceramics have always been, and continue to be, both the most historic, resonant and traditional, as well as the most fresh, perpetually surprising, delightful and exciting of architectural materials. there is no other architectural treatment that has remained as fresh, relevant and cool as ceramics has from a thousand years BC, right through into the 21st century,‘ stated adam nathaniel furman.

‘hailing from a country that is home to an unbroken lineage of some of the greatest ceramic traditions and deployment of the most up to date technologies and aesthetics, turkish ceramics perfectly represents both the future, and the glorious past. I feel honoured turkisceramics has invited me to create an installation using this incredibly versatile and rich building material.‘

image © hufton + crow

the temporary installation at designjunction during london design festival 2017, most importantly highlights the contemporary ceramic tiles from turkishceramics. the bold, vibrant and colorful ‘gateways’ each display a distinct design story, ranging from artisianal handcrafted tiles of the ottoman empire to the innovative products of today. the creations first welcome guests to paradise with the front gate, then to a juxtaposition archway of traditional architectural materials that are spun in a playful and popular form. afterwards, visitors walk back in time through the retro gate where the funky hues of the ‘70s are recreated, before finally arriving at the metro design of black and white bevelling tiles that reference edwardian architecture.

‘this is our first year at designjunction and we are excited to have brought such a bold and immersive installation to king’s cross’ granary square, which is one of london’s most vibrant and diverse open spaces. adam’s design for gateways is a very thoughtful and contemporary representation of turkey’s rich and colourful history of ceramics, showcasing handcrafted artisanal ceramics of the ottoman empire and innovative modern day products,’ said bahadir kayan, chairman of turkishceramics. ‘we are proud of the heritage and influence of ceramics in turkey and delighted to be able to share a piece of this unique craftsmanship with all visitors to the area.‘

turkishceramics' vibrant gateways welcome visitors to designjunction

LDF london design festival 2017 (24)

temporary pavilions (466)

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