Keramigos

Year:

2022

This project progresses into the first semester of the second year.

For this assignment, we were tasked with designing a multi-functional space within a selected building. From the three options offered by the school, I opted for the Mater building situated in Oudenaarde.

My design is christened "Keramigos," a fusion of the words 'ceramics' and 'amigos'. The term 'ceramics' signifies the pottery studio component of my design, while 'amigos', which translates to 'friends' in Spanish, encapsulates the café element.

To attain a seamless blend of materials, I embarked on a journey into the annals of pottery-making. A hands-on visit to a pottery studio further enriched my understanding, influencing my material choices.

Allow me to walk you through the intricacies of my design. The entrance remains aligned with the original blueprint, facilitating a direct route to the garden. Upon entry, visitors are immediately drawn to the staircase and bar — subtle hints to the design's pièce de résistance. This focal point is the expansive wall on the left, adorned from floor to ceiling with shelving that showcases ceramic artistry. The ambiance is such that patrons, while sipping their drinks, are ensconced amidst the elegance of ceramic creations. To the right, there's an accessible restroom suited for wheelchair users, adjacent to which is a storage area, primarily earmarked for beverage restocking.

The pottery studio is perched on the floor above. It houses two potter's wheels, designed for intensive crafting by a duo, as opposed to larger group classes. This floor also features a generous storage space, complete with a kiln for firing the ceramics. Central to my design is an open void, serving a dual purpose: it magnificently extends the visual appeal of the central wall display and also bathes the ground floor in abundant natural light. Lastly, the upper section is flanked by cabinets, providing additional storage solutions.