Emilie Colonna d'Istria

510W27THST

The project proposes an archive for 3D printed ceramics within a water tower in New York.

Ceramic vases and water towers are both vessels of different scales that can contain water - this conceit underpins the conceptual approach to the scheme.

The archive would be located on the rooftop of a gallery in the Chelsea district of Manhattan. Surrounded by other galleries, the building’s location adjacent to the High Line provides an ideal context to allow the archive to present itself as an intriguing addition to the skyline. Initially perceived as just another water tower, on further inspection the new structure reveals itself as something more interesting inviting the viewer to investigate further.

The 3D ceramics explore a contradiction between craftsmanship and technology and this is reflected through the design. The materials chosen explore the contrast between natural and synthetic and the three dimensional form utilises the layering and spinning processes intrinsic to ceramic production.

Furthermore a connection can be drawn between the series of the ceramics within and the series of water towers without.