Kiosks designed by British architects using Turkish ceramics are on display at the Building Centre in London.

The Chairman of Turkish Ceramics Promotion Group Mr. Bahadır Kayan: “Water kiosks originating from the Ottoman period have been adapted to 21st Century London, using Turkish ceramics to create a contemporary design.”

Contemporary “kiosks” designed by renowned British architects have taken inspiration from the traditional Ottoman garden kiosk. The kiosks incorporating Turkish ceramic products were put on display after a reception and launch party held at The Building Centre yesterday. The kiosks will be on display for one month.

The kiosks were designed by such renowned architectural offices as Zaha Hadid, one of the architects of 2012 London Olympics, AHMM, Eric Parry Architects, Studio Weave, Adam Architecture and Hopkins Architects under the project executed jointly by the Turkish Ceramics Promotion Group and the Architects’ Journal. The kiosks blend contemporary and traditional textures featuring different designs including dome or tile motifs.

British architects visit Istanbul

As a part of the Kiosk project, British architects were welcomed in Istanbul on the occasion of the “Westanbul Eastanbul” Architectural Weekend that took place in November last year. During the visit, which was also attended by Rory Olcayto, Acting Editor of the Architects’ Journal presentations were given for the architects about the history of Turkish architecture and Turkish ceramics. The participants also examined traditional buildings dating from the Ottoman period and visited ceramic production plants, thus completing the preliminary research phase of the Kiosk project.

Drinking water and public space

Ken Hood, a partner of Hopkins Architects, one of the architectural offices participating in the project, commented that his kiosk design is a celebration of public space. Eric Parry’s design for an Ottoman-style kiosk was developed specifically for Soho Square in London.

Rory Olcayto, Architects’ Journal said: “These fantastic designs also suggest there is a wider debate to be had around how we use our public spaces and the services cities should offer its residents and visitors.”

Bahadır Kayan, Chairman of the Turkish Ceramics Promotion Group described his pride in the historical heritage of ceramics and art in Turkey.