3D printed ceramic walls by studio RAP shape hotel's entrance

Blue Voyage by Studio RAP Forms Wave-Like Ceramic Entrance

At the entrance of Dubai’s Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab hotel, two large-scale ceramic walls by Studio RAP define the spatial experience of arrival. Titled Blue Voyage, the installation explores the potential of 3D printed ceramics in architectural surfaces, combining computational design with material precision.

Positioned on either side of the main lobby entrance, the walls measure six meters in height and nine meters in length, creating a sculptural threshold between the exterior and interior. The project draws from the movement of the nearby Gulf, translating the dynamics of water into a series of fluid, wave-like forms. Each surface is composed of thousands of flowing lines that shift in density and depth, producing a tactile gradient that interacts with natural and artificial light throughout the day.

Dubai’s Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab hotel exterior | all images by Riccardo De Vecchi unless stated otherwise

900 Unique 3D Printed Ceramic Tiles shape the installation

In total, around 900 unique ceramic tiles were designed, generated parametrically, and 3D printed at Studio RAP’s facility in Rotterdam. The production process ensured precision in fit and consistency in surface quality while allowing variation across each module. The installation’s corner tiles were developed to wrap the patterns seamlessly, emphasizing continuity and minimizing visual interruption.

Blue Voyage represents one of the largest 3D printed ceramic architectural installations completed to date. The project continues the studio’s exploration of how computational tools and digital fabrication can extend the expressive and technical possibilities of ceramics within contemporary architecture.

two 3D printed ceramic walls by Studio RAP define the entrance of Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab in Dubai

the installation, titled Blue Voyage, explores the architectural potential of 3D printed ceramics

the density and depth of the lines shift to form a tactile gradient

around 900 unique tiles make up the complete installation

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image by Studio RAP

project info:

name: Blue Voyage
architect: Studio RAP | @studio.rap

location: Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Dubai (UAE)

client: Dubai Holding Real Estate

architect (main building): Killa Design

3D ceramic printing: Studio RAP

firing and glazing: Royal Tichelaar

photographer: Studio RAP, Riccardo De Vecchi | @riccardodevecchi.photo

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom