Some of the most impressive buildings from the history of architecture are marvels in part because of the visible degree of craftsmanship displayed upon them, and EPR Architects' new office building on Savile Row in London follows in that tradition. The building is clad in 10,000 crystalline ceramic tiles, each of which was hand-glazed by London-based ceramist Kate Malone.
Savile Row is a fitting locale for such a craft-focused building. The street is the historic epicenter of the London tailoring industry, which is an industry devoted to providing hand-made goods for its consumers. In fact, according to EPR Architects, Savile Row is where the term "bespoke" was invented, as suits were said "to be spoken for" by the tailors' clients.
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Craftsmanship Revival
- The use of hand-glazed ceramic tiles showcases a trend towards reviving traditional craftsmanship in modern architecture.
- Artisanal Building Materials
- The hand-glazed ceramic facades highlight a growing trend of using artisanal materials to enhance the aesthetic appeal of buildings.
- Customized Architectural Features
- The bespoke hand-glazed tiles demonstrate a trend of incorporating customized and unique features into architectural designs.
Sectors Adopting This
- Architecture
- The architecture industry can explore opportunities to collaborate with artisans and craftsmen to create bespoke hand-glazed facades for buildings.
- Ceramics
- The ceramics industry can seize the disruptive innovation opportunity by offering hand-glazing services and specialized ceramic tiles for architectural applications.
- Construction
- The construction industry can benefit from incorporating hand-glazed ceramic facades as a unique selling point for high-end buildings.
