Ceramic tiles - an inspiring challenge for Swedish architecture students

A recurring and appreciated feature of Nordbygg is the materials challenge "New Eyes on". It is a competition directed to Swedish architecture students and where the winning contribution is realised in full scale at Nordbygg. When the invitation goes out to the architecture students this time, the material in focus is ceramic tiles. Behind the competition are Stockholmsmässan and Byggkeramikrådet (the Building Ceramics Council), with the support of Architects Sweden. The competition entails that the students create a café out of ceramic tiles. The winning contribution will be erected at Nordbygg, where it may be used by all exhibitors and visitors.

The architectural competition "New Eyes on" is being arranged for the sixth time this year and the material in focus is ceramic tiles. Earlier, the students have had to deal with wood, steel, glass, concrete and plastics.

– The competition is a unique opportunity for budding architects in Sweden to gain knowledge of different materials and their possibilities, says Nordbygg’s Project Manager, Peter Söderberg. And it is always very exciting to see the contributions when they are presented, he concludes.

Inspirational seminars
Ceramics are an environmentally friendly and sustainable material, which for thousands of years has been used in construction. In recent years, it has developed in a profound way, thanks to new production methods, raw materials and design.

In connection with the start of the competition, an inspirational seminar will be held, where students gain knowledge of the material that is building ceramics. Its history, properties, possibilities and techniques.

The seminars will be held at several of the architectural colleges in the country. A filmed version of the lecture will be available on the web page of Sweden’s Architects from the beginning of October.

The jury that reviews the competition entries consists of Peter Söderberg, Project Manager Stockholmsmässan/Nordbygg, Ralf Jerad, CEO, Byggkeramikrådet (The Building Ceramics Council), Helena Glantz, Architect SAR/MSA, Urban Design, (Winner of Stora Kakelpriset 2017, appointed by BCC) and Marcia Harvey Isaksson, interior designer MSA (appointed by Architects Sweden).