Transforming Excavated Clay into Artistic Tiles
Designers Bahbak Hashemi-Nezhad and Rafael El Baz have creatively transformed 12 tonnes of clay excavated from the construction site of Old Oak Common station in London into the stunning Sweet Terrain tile collection. This high-speed rail network station, designed by WilkinsonEyre, has embraced the vibrant tradition of Middle Eastern biscuit moulds to craft unique wall tiles, showcasing how this massive amount of clay can be repurposed innovatively.
Reviving Tradition Through Design
The tiles feature exquisite reliefs, inspired by the centuries-old wooden tools used in making Ma’amoul cookies, a cherished delicacy from the Arab world. Hashemi-Nezhad and El Baz drew inspiration from their visits to West London patisseries, home to bakers with roots in Lebanon and Syria. This project aims to weave the rich stories of these migrant communities into the fabric of the HS2 station, fostering local identity and illustrating how these materials can carry historical narratives.
Creating Connections With Community-Centric Design
“Our goal was to craft hyper-local objects that resonate with those using them, instilling pride and embedding narratives not possible with off-the-shelf products,” Hashemi-Nezhad shared with Dezeen. The designers emphasize humanizing large infrastructure projects, bringing cultural resonance through thoughtful design and community engagement, which is emblematic of how their efforts can unite a community.
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How 12 Tonnes Became a Mass Installation on the Horizon
Planned for installation in 2028, thousands of these unique tiles will adorn the station’s “quiet spaces,” including multi-faith zones and corridors, ahead of the station’s 2030 opening. This initiative began by repurposing the earth intended for landfill, refining it for tile use. It demonstrates how such a significant volume of otherwise discarded material can be transformed into a meaningful installation.
Collaboration with Traditional Tilemakers
Hashemi-Nezhad and El Baz partnered with Craven Dunnill Jackfield, Britain‘s historic tilemaker, to produce these tiles. By utilizing 3D scans of the biscuit moulds, they crafted tiles in multiple sizes and depths, striking a balance between tactile presence and durability. The hand-dipped glaze finish adds a human touch to this expansive infrastructure project, further exemplifying how this clay can become both an aesthetic and cultural asset.
An Act of Recognition and Joy
The participating bakers view the tiles as a gesture of recognition. Vasken Jermakian from Sweetland Bakery expressed the joy and pride these tiles would bring to the entire community once installed at the station.
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Controversy and Construction Progress
The HS2 network has faced scrutiny, particularly its environmental impact on the Chilterns, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. As construction continues, Hashemi-Nezhad, now a designer in residence at CCA Tashkent, explores innovative design initiatives, reinforcing cultural significance in large projects, showcasing how this venture can contribute positively to the discourse.
Source: dezeen.com
Frequently asked questions
How was the excavated clay used creatively?
Designers Bahbak Hashemi-Nezhad and Rafael El Baz transformed 12 tonnes of clay excavated from the construction site of Old Oak Common station in London into the Sweet Terrain tile collection. These tiles showcase how the clay can be repurposed into unique designs inspired by Middle Eastern biscuit moulds.
What inspired the design of the tiles?
The tiles feature reliefs inspired by wooden tools used for making Ma’amoul cookies, a delicacy from the Arab world. The designers drew inspiration from West London patisseries, home to bakers with roots in Lebanon and Syria.
When will the tiles be installed in the station?
Thousands of these unique tiles are planned for installation in the station’s ‘quiet spaces,’ including multi-faith zones and corridors, in 2028. The station is expected to open in 2030.