manufactura reinvents traditional talavera ceramic using robotic 3D printing

Talavera Project reflects a synergy of Tradition and Innovation

Manufactura, multidisciplinary research and production factory, collaborates with Uriarte Talavera in the Talavera Project, a venture addressing challenges faced by the historic talavera ceramic workshop in Puebla. Established in 1824, Uriarte Talavera struggles with a lack of innovation and high production waste, despite being a designated Denomination of Origin. This initiative aims to showcase the convergence of tradition and innovation through a column created using robotic 3D printing. The process emphasizes water’s role in crafting the signature cobalt blue palette, encapsulating the essence of Talavera. The project comprises various stages, including 3D printing, firing, plaster mold creation, and enameling. It also introduces a carpet made from production waste, exploring recycling strategies.

all images by Dinorah Schulte unless stated otherwise

Manufactura’s Project focuses on Circular Sustainability

Reflecting Mexican culture, the Talavera Project by Mexico-based design practice Manufactura combines traditional pottery expertise with Spanish glazing techniques. It navigates the environmental, social, and thermodynamic costs of mass production by leveraging computational design, robotics, and technology. The initiative emphasizes the circular sustainability of ancient craft economies and enriches tradition while preserving cultural identity. The complexity of the baroque style and vibrant color palette characterizes the project, fostering opportunities for conscious and sustainable heritage preservation and manufacturing. In the Mexican context, the project rejects distinctions between artisanal and automated technologies, emphasizing their equal technological impact and complementary roles in sustainable manufacturing.

the project is a research initiative by Manufactura in collaboration with Uriarte Talavera | image by Enrique Aguilar

the project creates a dialogue between handmade craftsmanship and industrial innovation

a column made of 80 pieces of talavera is replicated from a 3D printed mold

the process includes firing the 3D printed part, creating plaster molds by local craftsmen, and producing clay

the pieces undergo enameling and glazing, featuring the traditional color of authentic Puebla Talavera

the project includes a ‘carpet’ of production waste, exploring recycling strategies

established in 1824, Uriarte Talavera historic workshop is located in Puebla | image by Enrique Aguilar

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project info:

name: The Talavera Project | Un Proyecto de Talavera

designer: MANUFACTURA | @manufacturamx

design team: Dinorah Schulte | @dinorahmschulte – Edurne Morales | @edu.mo.z – Mariana Muñoz | @marmuco – Arturo Rojas – Katia Ramirez

collaborators: Jared Zarate | @jareedzarate – Erick Marin | @erickmarin.s

craftmanship: Uriarte Talavera | @uriartetalavera

location: Puebla, Mexico

photography and video: Arturo Arrieta | @arturoarrieta_ – Enrique Aguilar | @erag6 – Dinorah Schulte

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom