Koffel / Willmer
ekwc studio 9
Participant’s Chat 06.27.07



Project: Translucent Ceramic Screen
Rain-screen or interior screen divider for architecture.

Design Concept
• The bone china ceramic panels highlight the physical characteristics of ceramics not obtainable using other building materials: fluid, flexible and simultaneously translucent.
• The focus is on the aesthetic possibilities of a layered wall; the wall distinguishing inside and out, the moment of the threshold, the light transmittance from the sun, the pattern of light on the wall, the floor.
• The installation represents a single possibility.
• Other clay pieces will be developed to suggest other forms the translucent ceramic wall can take.

Goals
To develop a prototype with the industry for real applications both inside and out. Issues under consideration:

Characteristics of Ceramics
• Has unique physical characteristics such as fluid and translucent.
• Transparent to radio frequency opens the building to be fully wireless.
• Can be an antenna.
• Can be self cleaning.
• Conducts electricity.
Product Development Issues
• The thin ceramic panels need to be veneered onto a honeycomb, resin or polymer backing to give them strength.
• Size limitations
• Building system structure for panel support i.e. steel cable or frame sub-structure.
Architectural Uses / Issues
• Sunscreen, rain-screen
• Interior privacy wall, lobby divider etc.
• Multiple geometric forms possible.
• Has both functional and ornamental characteristics.