By Introduction
From Mud Design Studio, envisioned by ceramicist Rawan Muqaddas, provides a serene and therapeutic space for clay sculpting in the bustling heart of Kuwait City. Nestled on the first floor of a 1967 Modernist building within the city’s textile market, the studio draws its inspiration from the simplicity and beauty of clay craftsmanship.
Inspiration and Design
The studio’s design ethos revolves around the movements involved in clay sculpting, from the artist’s gestures to the fluid lines of the clay itself. The space is characterized by clean lines and a soothing palette, reflecting the holistic approach of the studio. Light plays a significant role, with distribution mimicking the building’s concrete façade, casting simple shadows and providing privacy through fluted glass. The combination of steel and maple wood in the perimeter shelving reinforces the studio’s mission to make clay art accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Studio Layout and Features
From Mud serves as a design studio dedicated to clay artistry, offering a space for discovery, research, and creation. The brief required efficient storage and shelving to support the daily routines of a ceramicist, along with a kiln room, a semi-private office, and a lounge area. The design optimized the space for maximum storage and efficiency, ensuring a functional environment for all levels of clay artists.
Key Materials and Products
The studio features solid and veneered maple wood sourced from Malaysia, fabricated both on and off-site by local craftsmen. The shelving system is made of stainless steel and powder-coated metal, adjustable to suit various needs. Fluted glass introduces translucency, balancing the need for natural light and privacy. The design emphasizes natural light, crucial for crafting clay, with the building’s façade influencing the rhythm of the interior shelving and the interplay of shadows throughout the day.
Client Vision and Mission
Aisha Al-Saif, a Kuwait-based ceramicist, envisioned From Mud as a therapeutic space where design through clay becomes accessible to all. She aims to teach various clay techniques from different historical periods and regions, fostering a community of clay enthusiasts in Kuwait City.
Urban Regeneration and Impact
Located in Kuwait’s textile market, also known as ‘blokat,’ From Mud is part of a broader regeneration wave transforming the area. The market, once the largest shopping center in the city, retains its retail vendors on the street level, while the upper floors have become tired. Creative initiatives like From Mud are revitalizing these spaces, introducing young energy and attracting new audiences. The building’s façade, protected from the harsh sun by concrete plates, is reflected in the interior’s adjustable shelving, paying homage to the market’s history and fabric palettes.
Conclusion
From Mud Design Studio not only offers a tranquil space for clay sculpting but also contributes to the urban revitalization of Kuwait City’s textile market. Through thoughtful design and a commitment to accessibility, the studio fosters a community of creativity and discovery, reflecting the therapeutic and magical art of clay sculpting.
