HS2 Excavated Clay Transformed into Sweet Terrain Tiles for Old Oak Common Station
Sweet Terrain is a collection of wall tiles crafted by designers Bahbak Hashemi-Nezhad and Rafael El Baz, utilizing 12 tonnes of clay sourced from the excavation of the Old Oak Common station, part of the HS2 project in London designed by WilkinsonEyre. The tiles incorporate relief designs inspired by traditional Ma'amoul cookie moulds, reflecting the artistry of Middle Eastern bakers from Lebanon and Syria. This initiative seeks to honor the narratives of these bakers within the HS2 framework. In collaboration with Craven Dunnill Jackfield, thousands of tiles are set to adorn the station's tranquil areas, with the designers exploring hand-dipped glazes. Baker Vasken Jermakian described the project as 'an act of recognition.' Hashemi-Nezhad serves as a designer in residence at CCA Tashkent.
Key facts
- Designers Bahbak Hashemi-Nezhad and Rafael El Baz created Sweet Terrain tiles from 12 tonnes of clay excavated at the Old Oak Common HS2 station site in London.
- The tiles feature reliefs made with moulds modelled on traditional wooden tools for Ma'amoul cookies, inspired by Middle Eastern bakeries in west London.
- Production was carried out with Craven Dunnill Jackfield, one of Britain's oldest traditional tilemakers, which has previously made tiles for London Underground.
- The tiles will be installed in the station's quiet spaces, including multi-faith zones, toilets, and corridors; the number will be in the thousands.
- The designers are experimenting with glaze finishes but insist on hand-dipped glazes to add a human touch.
- Baker Vasken Jermakian of Sweetland Bakery called the project 'an act of recognition' that will bring joy and pride to bakers and their communities.
- Old Oak Common station is designed by WilkinsonEyre and will be one of the largest transport interchanges in the UK once complete.
- HS2 has been controversial, partly due to its environmental impact on the Chilterns, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Entities
Artists
- Bahbak Hashemi-Nezhad
- Rafael El Baz
- Vasken Jermakian
Institutions
- HS2
- WilkinsonEyre
- Craven Dunnill Jackfield
- London Underground
- Sweetland Bakery
- CCA Tashkent
- Studio KO
- Dezeen
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- Old Oak Common
- Lebanon
- Syria
- Chilterns
- Tashkent
- Uzbekistan
Sources
- Dezeen —