Our world of ceramics.

Mehrere Sitznischen mit blauen Polstern und Holztischen, umgeben von einer Wand mit buntem, geometrischem Muster

Corporate Art on Ceramics

When clients show courage and artists are given space

Zurich, Switzerland – An incomparably multifaceted design has resulted in a building in Zurich that is second to none – also in the field of corporate art.

The interior of the clubhouse at the headquarters of the Zurich-based company Swiss Re has been enhanced with contemporary art in a structurally comprehensive manner. In combination, profile tiles form four architectural art installations that are impressive in both form and color. Artists of international renown were invited to design the concept for art in the company: Jorge Pardo, Tobias Rehberger and Pae White. Fortunately for us, ceramics play a central role as both a carrier and an integrative component.

Ceramic shape and color

In numerous iterations, over 149 colors have been ceramically sampled and matched to the base material. Right from the start, all colors were available in different versions: Once with a glossy surface, with a matt surface and partly as a silk matt sample. The ceramic color and surface development took two years. The various tile shapes were created in parallel with the development of the ceramic decorations and lithography. The aim was to make this solid and durable material and its colors appear light.

Ceramics for art in architecture

From pigment to multicolored art object and from sand to three-dimensional architectural ceramics. This is the long journey and the broad spectrum of expertise required to finally produce over 9,000 ceramic tiles. 60% of the three-dimensional ceramic tiles are individually decorated according to the artist’s specifications. Half of the objects follow one of 22 different 3D shapes. Some tiles are black in their base color and yet the yellow shines on them, like the ceramic yellow on a white glossy glaze. Even shades that are difficult to achieve in the ceramic color space burned out impressively well after the developments were completed.

Unique pieces made by hand

After the challenge of determining the color and surface, the manual work in the ceramic manufactory began. Every single shaped tile was produced and decorated by hand. The shaping process also had to take into account the subsequent provision for fixing to the walls. This is provided with the highest standards in all our architectural projects. The design as a concealed connection to the substructure is essential. In most cases, the detail is also developed and implemented on a customer-specific basis.

The project participants

All in all, this was a corporate art project with the highest standards of quality and attention to detail – art in construction. Thanks to the excellent cooperation between the lead architects SAM Architekten in Zurich and the St. Gallen-based façade specialists for special aesthetic construction, GFT Fassaden AG and the Lindner Group, this was an achievable task. All those responsible for the project on the client’s side and contractors from the neighboring trades also contributed to this.

The result

Art that lasts. The works can be seen in a breathtaking photo documentation. Photographer Luca Zanier has succeeded in capturing the unfolding of this art project and thus making it accessible to the public. The Art at Swiss Re website also provides further insights into this art on the building. Otherwise, the building is reserved for guests and employees of the client. As ceramic is one of the most durable materials on our planet, these works will hopefully continue to inspire many people’s eyes and hearts.