“Hyperarchaic tectonics: Looking back to move forward in design and architecture” An exhibition of marble mosaics at Studio 62 (September 16th-October 24th, 2014). Computational design rejuvenates the ancient art of mosaics through the application of advanced mathematics and digital fabrication methods. The marble mosaic murals and sculpture on exhibition produced through a collaboration between Istanbul design studio Emedya Design and research collaborators and engineers, Adams Kara Taylor II of London, curated by Gökhan Karakuş, present new expressive and rational opportunities in the generation of form and space for architecture. Aperiodic tiling based on the infinite but never repeated geometric patterns last used in architecture in the medieval Islamic era, are presented as a new idiom for architecture and design today using computation. These marble murals suggest expansive spatial and tectonic geometries organizing and expanding the vocabulary of contemporary design. Marble mosaics and computational design Marble mosaics are one of the continuing traditions of Turkey, dating back to Ancient Roman times. Today, Turkey, one of the world’s largest producers of stone products, continues many of the traditions in architecture in stone that mark its history. The art of marble mosaic takes advantage of the natural and enduring qualities of marble and limestone to create a flexible surface covering that enhances a variety of interior and exterior environments. Specifically, the exhibition features marble mosaics made using the most contemporary digital fabrication techniques with CNC water jet cutters. Each piece is individually cut based on data driven by methods in computational design to produce a unique work of art. The project collaborators, Emedya Design of Istanbul and Adams Kara Taylor II of London have jointly worked to design and produce these marble mosaics combining advanced computational design with digital fabrication and handcraft. Using geometric patterns that were last employed in architectural decoration in the medieval Islamic period, the collaborators have once again applied mathematical and geometric patterns to the ancient art of stone as architectural decoration, reviving a design method that has been dormant for over 500 years since the Ottoman period in Turkey. Applying the idea of the very old combined with the very new as “hyperarchaic” design, the exhibition curator and principal designer at Istanbul design studio Emedya Design, Gökhan Karakuş brings together computation and craft, focusing on the design of marble mosaics. Working with engineer Daniel Bosia of project research collaborators and engineers Adams Kara Taylor II, London, the creative team have produced two mosaic panels and a sculpture that reflect advanced mathematics based on tiling in two and three dimensions as “hyperachaic tectonic” design. These mosaic tilings act as surface decoration for architecture but also suggest a three dimensional architectural tectonics based on stone tiles. The mosaic panels and sculpture on exhibition are individual art works that propose new directions for customized design of environments using marble mosaics. Exhibition web site http://www.emedya.net/hyperarchaic_tectonics Seminar at the Victoria and Albert Museum on September 15th, 2:30 PM, The Learning Centre, Seminar Room 1 http://www.londondesignfestival.com/events/seminar-hyperarchaic-tectonic... AKDO - Exhibition sponsor The exhibition sponsor and producer of these marble mosaics AKDO of Turkey is a leading global producer of mosaics as well as important stone products such as tiles and slabs. Marble and limestone from Turkey as well as other stones and glass from around the world are used to create AKDO’s mosaics by a team of highly skilled artisans continuing the traditions of the famed mosaics excavated from Ancient Rome, Greece, and Turkey. AKDO brand natural stone products are all produced with contemporary processes, state of that art machinery and keen attention to detail that ensures that quality is never compromised. AKDO is known worldwide for their expertise with natural stone product expanding the possibilities of architecture and design. Strata Tiles – Exhibition host In the architectural and design community, Strata Tiles with headquarters in Guildford, Surrey are known and respected as a leading commercial tile supplier in the UK. They pride themselves in not only the quality products they supply to some of the UK’s biggest businesses, but also in the passion and knowledge of their products. Recently in the past few years they have seen considerable growth that has resulted in an expansion project including a Showroom, Studio 62, in the sought after Clerkenwell Road architecture and design district in London. Strata Tiles continuing growth has firmly established the company as a commercial tile supplier and distributor that focuses on quality, service and price. Exhibition Sponsor - AKDO http://www.akdo.com Exhibition Host - Strata Tiles http://www.stratatiles.co.uk

 

Curator: Gökhan Karakuş

Exhibition Design: Gökhan Karakuş, Özlem Alkan Karakuş, Gözde Kavalcı

Design Work:  Emedya Design (Gökhan Karakuş, Gözde Kavalcı, Duygu Özgül), Adams Kara Taylor II (Daniel Bosia, Edoardo Tibuzzi)

Production: AKDO / Silkar Madencilik