Studio RAP introduces the New Delft Blue Gates, a pioneering project in Delft, Netherlands, blending 3D clay printing, computational design, and artisanal glazing. This initiative aims to redefine ceramic ornamentation in contemporary architecture.

Inspired by the renowned decorative traditions of Delft Blue porcelain, Studio RAP's project reinterprets these motifs. The focal point is the expansive communal courtyard of the PoortMeesters residential block within Nieuw Delft, framed by two grand gates.

Each gate spans four meters wide, eight meters high, and extends twelve meters deep, encompassing a prominent public staircase. These structures evoke Delft's medieval trading heritage, reminiscent of historical city gates, offering a glimpse into the serene communal life within.

Drawing from centuries of design evolution in Delft Blue porcelain, the gates feature intricate, algorithmically-designed patterns. The New Delft Blue gates take their inspiration from traditional Delft Blue porcelain plates.

The design vocabulary of these plates has changed radically over the centuries, from copying Chinese and Japanese Oriental designs, to making contemporary Dutch designs. The differentiation between a decorative, nature-inspired frame and an idyllic scene, however, has been a recurring trait.

As such, this division is the starting point for the New Delft Blue design, where the idyllic scene is the ever-changing courtyard life, while the gates stand as a three-dimensional frame with algorithmically-designed, nature-inspired patterns that guide people from the public space to the semi-public courtyard.

A key innovation lies in the use of 3D printed ceramic tiles, totaling around 3,000 pieces. This approach allows for unprecedented design flexibility and uniqueness. Each tile is meticulously crafted with algorithmic precision, considering structural constraints and aesthetic aspirations. The tiles are glazed with a transparent blue finish, creating a gradient effect that accentuates their contours, echoing the hues of Delft Blue porcelain and the city's canals.

Studio RAP's methodology underscores a commitment to reinvigorating architectural design with digital fabrication. By merging traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, they aim to reintroduce bespoke ornamentation into contemporary architecture.

The New Delft Blue Gates thus embody a fusion of historical inspiration and modern innovation, celebrating Delft's cultural heritage while pushing the boundaries of architectural expression.

Photographer: Riccardo De Vecchi // Movie: Oculus Film

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