Surface Sculpture

I am fascinated by technological advances in the potential applications for ceramic tiles. Some of the tertiary functions of ceramic tiles, beyond aesthetics and waterproofing, are perhaps obvious; such as photocatalytic (air purifying) tiles or hydrophillic (self-cleaning) tiles. Then there are photoluminescent tiles (emergency signage), photovoltaic tiles (electricity generation) and tactile pavements that provide input for individuals with visual impairments.

The quest for new applications for tiles and indeed new types of tiles with different properties, is never-ending. 12 years ago I visited Alicer, the Spanish tile research institute, to check out the institution’s latest investigations into new possibilities for ceramics and, hopefully, discover some of the possible future faces of tiles.

Located near Castellon, the Spanish ceramic tile production hob north of Valencia, Alicer plays an important role in keeping this very important industrial sector vibrant and progressive. Over the last six posts, I have introduced what was cutting-edge in 2004. Some have moved forward into commercial production: others wait for the right entrepreneur to turn theory into reality.

Relieve

Relieve is one of the Alicer projects that is already a firmly-established trend in the marketplace. In recent years many companies, such as Sant’Agostino with Open, Imola with Cinetica, Lea with Progetto and Cedit with Touch have explored the possibilities of sculpting the face of tiles to create a three-dimensional aspect that maximises the impact of light. These sculpted tiles have brought a new lease of life to plain field tiles. Relieve is unusual in that it works with a square format, rather than the prevailing 100 by 300mm rectangular size. It also makes use of a fashionably retro 50’s milk-bar palette.

About Alicer

Alicer is the Research and Innovation Institute of Ceramic Design. This non-profit association was established in 1993 in Castellon, Spain. Alicer’s main aim is to improve the quality and competitiveness of ceramics by developing innovative products. It also promotes an integrated design policy across the tile sector.

Alicer undertakes continuous research into the applications of new technologies and new materials. It also acts as a technical consultant to the tile industry in the fields of design and product development. It serves as a conduit for current information about ceramic design and helps in the generic promotion of the material.

The institute’s staff have a wealth of ceramic expertise. They also benefit from access to all the latest sector-specific technology including graphic software, CAD-CAM, photographic studios, a prototypes laboratory, a laser laboratory and an array of innovative printing equipment, including both ink-jet and serigraphy. The IT department offers both programming and robotics expertise, including a robotic decorating unit that can be used in place of traditional hand-painting.

Recent R&D projects have included:

Development of laser tile decoration techniques
CAD programmes for manufacturers
Design of electric sockets and movement sensors formed from ceramic material
Surface erosion studies
Screen printing using ink jet
New architectural applications for tile, including ventilated façades
Development of robotic decoration processes
Digital moulding as a step toward mass customisation.