Custom design for Tazzi
Material: Porcelain, plaster mold
The project involved designing and crafting approximately 50 custom pizza plates for Tazzi, a renowned pizzeria located on St. Pauli. Each plate was meticulously crafted by hand, using porcelain to ensure durability and a refined aesthetic suitable for a high-quality dining experience.
The project underscores the blend of artistic design and technical expertise required to create functional and visually appealing dining ware. The custom plates exemplify how thoughtful design and craftsmanship can enhance both the presentation and functionality of restaurant tableware.
Process Overview:
- Design and Planning: The initial phase focused on designing a plate that would not only complement the restaurant’s ambiance but also meet the practical needs of serving pizza. Key requirements included an ample surface area to accommodate large pizza slices, a slightly raised edge to prevent toppings from spilling, and a design that allows for easy handling and stacking. The design aimed to enhance both functionality and visual appeal, ensuring the plates would be both practical and stylish.
- Development of the Full-Mold Form: Creating a full-mold form for the porcelain plates was a significant challenge. The mold needed to be designed so that the porcelain could fill it completely without forming air bubbles. Air bubbles trapped within the porcelain could weaken the plate, leading to potential cracks or breakage during the firing process. This required precise engineering and craftsmanship to create a mold that allowed for an even and uninterrupted flow of porcelain.
- Porcelain Casting: Once the mold was ready, the porcelain was poured into it. The casting process was carefully monitored to ensure that the material filled the mold evenly. Special attention was given to avoiding any air pockets or bubbles that could compromise the integrity of the plates. This step required a controlled environment and meticulous technique to achieve a flawless result.
- Firing and Finishing: After casting, the plates were left to dry before being placed in a kiln for firing. The firing process solidified the porcelain, giving it the required strength and a smooth finish. The plates were subjected to high temperatures to achieve the desired hardness and durability. Following firing, any imperfections were addressed, and the plates were refined to meet high-quality standards.
- Delivery and Application: The finished plates were delivered to Tazzi, where they were integrated into the restaurant’s dining service. The custom plates not only fulfilled the practical requirements of serving pizza but also contributed to the restaurant’s overall aesthetic. Their handcrafted quality and unique design added a distinctive touch to the dining experience at Tazzi.