claesson koivisto rune: contemporary moroccan tiles

‘dandelion’ tiles
image © designboom

using traditional materials and an old artisanal production process for making moroccan cement tiles,
swedish design studio claesson koivisto rune has created new contemporary tile patterns for company marrakech design.
the trio visited morocco to get a first-hand understanding of the north african country’s tile industry and apply
their learnings to their work. the resulting patterns were presented at an off-site during the stockholm furniture and light fair 2012.

‘we have designed three patterns – ‘dandelion’, ‘stone’ and ‘casa’ – each of which is available in several colors.
the cement tiles are handmade in morocco with a traditional manufacturing method. the patterns are obviously
inspired by classical arabic geometry, although created by scandinavians.
by laying the tiles in various ways each pattern opens the opportunity to create several new different macro-patterns.
including a random factor that provides non-repetitive formations. complicated to describe in words. self-evident at sight.’
– mårten claesson, eero koivisto and ola rune

the three tile designs can be arranged in multiple ways, offering several different macro-patterns for each,
including a random factor that provides non-repetitive formations.
see the available color palettes and layouts here.

‘in their new patterns claesson koivisto rune have combined a modern approach to design with a traditional material
and an old artisanal production process, thereby adding a completely novel dimension to the tradition of moroccan cement tiles.’
– inga-lill and pa ovin, founders marrakech design

‘dandelion’ pattern

‘dandelion‘ is a hexagonal tile influenced by patterns from japanese textile prints and lacquerware.

‘casa’ pattern

‘casa‘ is a hexagonal tile – inspired by arabic geometry – that can be arranged in multiple layouts depending on how
you turn the tile when installing them.

‘stone’ pattern

‘stone‘ is actually three different, square tiles (A/B/C) which are to be mixed and installed randomly
thereby creating an almost endless possibility of different layouts.

exhibition view of claesson koivisto rune’s tile designs during stockholm design week 2012
image © designboom

‘stone’ tiles
image © designboom

‘casa’ tiles
image © designboom

possible ‘casa’ tile arrangements

‘stone’ tiles

‘casa’ (left) and ‘dandelion’ (right)

mårten claesson, eero koivisto and ola rune
portrait © designboom

video of the tiles’ production process recorded in morocco