How is Terracotta Still So Hot? | The Obsession and Construction with Terracotta Today

What can take the heat and still look classy? Yes! Terracotta.?

It is not just your average clay. Terracotta is a material that has seen it all– the humble potter’s wheel, the sensuous touch of a sculptor, and the glamour of the skyscraper. Despite its long and rich history, with the rise to fame and the inevitable downfall, the journey of terracotta continues.?

Terracotta is now experiencing a revival. It is redefining building facades, slabs, and walls, giving them a unique and distinctive character. The material is inspiring new trends and innovations in design, such as modular systems, kinetic facades, and biomimetic forms. With its unique blend of tradition and innovation, here are a few examples to showcase how well-obsessed the construction industry is with terracotta today.

Turning Clay into Cool with Tarang, Ahmedabad

Terracotta is not just about the color; it's a vibe. It's the vibe that Snehal and Bhadri from THE GRID Architects have captured in their amazing project "Tarang" in Ahmedabad. They have used terracotta tiles in a creative and modern way, designing a public space that is both attractive and practical. Tarang is a place where you can enjoy the warmth and richness of terracotta, while also experiencing the diversity and dynamism of the community. Tarang is not just a building, it's a lifestyle, a place where people can share and inspire.

Traversing Together Through the Terracotta Temples of Bengal

Abin Design Studio has created a cozy and cool community center in Bansberia, West Bengal, that looks like a mini temple with a modern twist. The center has two floors of fun and functional spaces for the locals to hang out, learn, and play. It also has a dormitory for the staff who work there, because they deserve some rest too. The center is a tribute to the rich heritage and culture of West Bengal, but also a reflection of the vibrant and diverse community of Bansberia.

Make and Bake at the Terra Cotta Studio, Vietnam?

Designed by Studio Tropical Space, this studio is a masterpiece of terracotta architecture. It looks like a giant Vietnamese oven, but it’s actually a workshop for making terracotta art. The studio is made of solid terracotta bricks, with holes that let the air and light in. You can feel the sun moving across the sky, as it shines through the terracotta sculptures. On the upper floor, you can see the whole studio and the different spaces it offers. You can also peek at the artist working in the middle, through a round hole that connects the two levels. The Terra Cotta Studio is a place where you can explore, admire, and create.

A Terracotta Treat for Book Lovers: The Albion District Library, Canada

This library, designed by Perkins+Will, is a gem in the desert of concrete. The architects wanted to spice things up by giving the library a unique facade. They covered the building with terracotta baguettes made by NBK Architectural Terracotta. These baguettes, with their shiny glazes, make the library look like a giant piece of art. They also protect the library from water, fading, scratches, and graffiti. The Albion District Library is a place where you can enjoy the beauty and durability of terracotta, while also reading some books.

A Terracotta Tribute to Modern Design: Ningbo City Exhibition Hall, China

Ningbo is a city that loves ceramics. It has a long and proud history of making beautiful pottery, and the Ningbo City Exhibition Hall is a tribute to that. This hall uses Togen Custom Glazed Terracotta Panels with green glazed surfaces as a conversation starter. It connects the people and the leaders, through its stunning design. Togen worked with architects to make the panels fit perfectly, and suggested different ways to install them, making the hall look like a mirror of nature. This change from straight to curved shows how terracotta is still rocking the world of architecture.

From Dust to Dust | What Happens to Terracotta Once It Has Served Its Purpose??

From straight lines to curves, terracotta can do it all. It adopts different styles and forms, and respects the past while embracing the future; terracotta doesn’t seem like a material, rather, it is a statement.?

But what happens to this statement once it has fulfilled its meaning? What happens to terracotta when it’s no longer needed? It is said that terracotta doesn’t decompose easily…well if it did, we would not have found the historical artifacts made from it even after so many centuries.?

But if it doesn’t fade away, what happens to Terracotta in its afterlife??