New Delft Blue: 3D-Printed Ceramic Archway by Studio RAP

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The article titled “New Delft Blue: 3D-Printed Ceramic Archway by Studio RAP” showcases the innovative use of algorithmic design and 3D printing in the creation of a pair of archways in the PoortMeesters housing development in the Netherlands. Designed by Studio RAP, the archways feature 3,000 unique 3D-printed ceramic tiles arranged in a pattern inspired by Delft Blue porcelain. The design aims to pay homage to the city’s history while highlighting advancements in technology. Each tile was individually printed and colored with a transparent blue glaze, resulting in a stunning and intricate leaf-like pattern. The use of 3D printing allowed for precise control over the design, demonstrating the capabilities of this technology in architecture. By combining traditional craftsmanship with digital innovation, Studio RAP has created a masterpiece that adds a unique identity to the housing development.

Table of Contents

Description of Project

In this comprehensive article, we will explore an architectural project that combines 3D printing technology and Delft Blue porcelain patterns. The project aims to reference the city’s history while demonstrating current technological advancements.

Design Process

The design process for this project was informed by nature-inspired patterns found in Delft Blue porcelain. The goal was to create leaf-like forms that would harmonize with the Delft Blue patterns. The design went through an iterative process to strike a balance between figurative and abstract elements. The use of 3D printing technology allowed for full control over the complex design.

Construction Details

The project involved the creation of 3,000 unique 3D-printed ceramic tiles. These tiles were arranged in a pattern determined by an algorithm. To maintain the reference to Delft Blue porcelain, the tiles were colored with a transparent blue glaze. The shapes of the tiles were determined by the constraints of 3D printing technology.

Benefits of 3D Printing

One of the main benefits of 3D printing in this project was the ability to have full control over the design and ensure high quality. The technology allowed for maximizing design ambition while reducing costs. Additionally, the project established a complete digital workflow, from design to realization. The architects took on a unique “master builder” role enabled by the capabilities of 3D printing.

Impact and Reception

The incorporation of 3D-printed ceramic archways in the residential development aimed to enhance the architectural language and enliven the space. The unique identity created through this project is expected to be embraced and appreciated by the residents.

Studio RAP

Studio RAP is a Rotterdam-based architectural practice founded by Lucas ter Hall, Wessel van Beerendonk, and Léon Spikker. The studio is known for its innovative approach and has previously worked on projects such as the “first robotically fabricated building in the Netherlands.”

Photography and Film

The photography for this project was done by Riccardo De Vecchi, capturing the intricate details of the 3D-printed ceramic archways. The film was produced by Oculus Film, providing a visual exploration of the design and construction process.

Project Credits

The project was a collaboration between multiple parties. The clients involved were BPD (Bouwfonds Property Development), Ballast Nedam Development, and Ballast Nedam Bouw West. Studio RAP served as the architect and contractor for the 3D ceramic printing. Koninklijke Tichelaar was responsible for the glazing and firing of the ceramic tiles. VY Architects served as the architect for the PoortMeesters housing development.

In the following sections, we will delve into each aspect of the project, exploring the design process, construction details, benefits of 3D printing, impact and reception, and more.

Image: New Delft Blue 3D-printed ceramics archway by Studio RAP

Architecture practice Studio RAP has combined algorithmic design and 3D printing to create a pair of archways informed by Delft Blue porcelain at the PoortMeesters housing in the Netherlands.

Named New Delft Blue, the archways were designed to frame entrances to a courtyard garden at the center of the housing development in Delft designed by The Hague-based VY Architects. They were constructed using 3,000 unique tiles that were 3D-printed and arranged in a pattern determined by an algorithm created by Studio RAP.

Informed by the color of traditional Delft Blue porcelain, which gives the project its name, the tiled portals were designed to reference the city’s history and demonstrate current technological advances. “The project embodies the unique identity of Delft in a contemporary way, by referring to its history,” said Studio RAP. “Its algorithmically designed, nature-inspired patterns in blue refer to Delft of today as the city of knowledge by using cutting-edge design and 3D-printing technology.”

The patterns on each of the archways, which cover concrete stairs, were designed to have leaf-like forms based on the patterns of Delft Blue porcelain. In total, 3,000 unique tiles that measure around 40 centimeters by 30 centimeters were 3D-printed by Studio RAP and colored using a transparent blue glaze. “After studying different nature-inspired patterns on Delft Blue plates, we developed an algorithm that generated a leaf pattern that grows from one side to the other side that guides people over the staircase between two different public spaces,” explained Studio RAP co-founder Lucas ter Hall.

The shapes of the tiles were determined by the constraints of 3D printing technology. “Together with the manufacturing constraints of the 3D printing technology – such as maximum overhang, width, height and depth, material behavior, shrinkage, and internal support structure – the tiles were formed,” explained ter Hall. “This iterative process between stylistic and fabrication variables made this gate a thorough masterpiece showcasing digital craftsmanship in optima forma!” The use of 3D printing technology allowed for precise control over the design. “To have the possibility to 3D print ceramics in-house gives us superpowers as architects,” continued ter Hall. “We establish a complete digital workflow from design to realization, maximizing our design ambition and guarantee high-quality architectural designs.”