Vase 03 appropriated

‘Appropriated’ Identity

Being digitally connected at every level, we are now becoming as familiar and at ease with other cultural norms/practices from different parts of the world as well as our own without being physically rooted in that place. Whether it be food, music, art or architecture, we seamlessly sample from other cultures and appropriate them for our own purposes. At SA studio, we do not advocate for, or against cultural appropriation, however we recognise this is something we all do, to some degree. Vase 03 is the third in a series of vases contributing to the multifaceted and at times divisive conversation around identity.

Language

Vase 03 adopts the iconic style of the Nagakin capsule tower (yes, we said style!) and of METABOLIST Architecture in general. Many lessons can be learned from this unique avant-garde movement and its leading protagonists, least of all its recognition of the role of tradition whilst promising a bold new future. However, we also acknowledge that it is a uniquely Japanese solution to the global problem of urban living and so opens us up to the accusation of cultural appropriation….

The overall design appropriates and re- imagines the Metabolist ideal of colonising the ‘AIR’, taking inspiration from Kisho Kurokawa’s iconic, single core, ‘plug and play’ prefabricated capsule tower as a reflection of a mobile society based on the needs of the individual and not the family.

The design employs a striking yet modest industrial language evoking a strong sense of place representative of Manchester. Gold reveals are utilised in contrast to the charcoal texture/industrial language of the main facade in attempting to ensure the design appears less austere, whilst striking a balance between acknowledging the past and embracing ‘generation z’. The facade is made up of the following constituent parts:

ARCH

NAGAKIN CAPSULE

COLONISING THE ‘AIR’ & ROTATED BASE

GRID

CHARCOAL & GOLD

Material & Fabrication process

Made from Sandstone with a smooth matte finish. The fabrication method employs the latest techniques in 3D printing by laying down thin layers of powder and selectively binding this powder together to produce the Vase. The textured charcoal and gold finishes are applied using a set of CMYK print-heads to colour the Vase whilst binding the powder together to produce the colorful facades. The Vase is then hand brushed with a two-part epoxy resin, which increases the strength and color of the sandstone vase giving it a beautiful smooth, matte sheen.

The end product is a structurally emphatic, bold Vase with fine detail and vivid colours.