id |
ascaad2023_051 |
authors |
Salama, Ali; Garboushian, Razmig; Si, Yue; Correa, David |
year |
2023 |
title |
Reinterpreting Zellige Tiles through Ceramic 3D Printing |
source |
C+++: Computation, Culture, and Context – Proceedings of the 11th International Conference of the Arab Society for Computation in Architecture, Art and Design (ASCAAD), University of Petra, Amman, Jordan [Hybrid Conference] 7-9 November 2023, pp. 166-186. |
summary |
The intricate details of Zellige tile work in Islamic architecture have high cultural significance and important sacred associations. The quasi-crystalline geometry found in el Attarine Madrassa Zellige patterns are a splendid example of the geometric rigour and exceptional craftsmanship of these sacred decorations. Modern methods have been used to reproduce these complex patterns, but these methods are mostly focused on duplication, rather than contributing to the analysis and re-contextualization of these motifs. Where recent studies have investigated the tectonics and structural limitations of ceramic additive manufacturing, few have explored its unique capabilities of re-interpretation and abstraction. This paper investigates the Zellige tiles of el Attarine Madrassa in Fes through formal and tectonic prototyping via clay 3D printing. Adjustments to the pattern by twisting, shifting, and shrinking were evaluated to observe what new interpretations additive manufactured ceramics can provide to the reading of the pattern at an architecture scale. In parallel, custom tool path design strategies were developed to address the unique intersection and overlapping issues that resulted from the intricate linework of the mosaic’s geometric pattern. Several full-scale physical prototypes were developed to assess the success and design opportunities of each strategy. Design iterations were also conducted to develop a key stone assembly sequence while also testing assembly tolerances and bonding between component units. Lastly, a dome mosaic assembly was designed for an arbour structure to evaluate the architectural implications of the developed tile system. The objective is for this 3D printed investigation to simultaneously honour and innovate upon the rich continuum of craft tradition, culture, embodied knowledge, and spirit within these geometries. |
series |
ASCAAD |
email |
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full text |
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last changed |
2024/02/13 14:34 |
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