Cultura: Reinventing Ancient Artistry in Modern Tiles

Gabriel Costa's Cultura Tiles Blend Heritage with Innovation

The Cultura wall tile series is a testament to the enduring influence of the Jama Coaque culture, which thrived in Ecuador around 500 B.C. Gabriel Costa, the visionary behind this project, has meticulously crafted a design that pays homage to the tribe's innovative use of roller stamps for creating continuous patterns on pottery, textiles, and skin. Costa's design approach is not to replicate but to evoke the essence of these ancient motifs through modern design principles.

Costa faced a significant challenge in ensuring the tiles' patterns aligned seamlessly in every direction. The solution came in the form of two base tiles, A and B, with B being a mirror image of A. By rotating these tiles, Costa created two additional variations, C and D, allowing for an array of configurations that avoid visual repetition. This clever design strategy results in a wall surface that is both dynamic and harmonious, reminiscent of the Jama Coaque's decorative traditions.

The Cultura tiles are produced using high-performance concrete cast in thermoformed plastic molds. This process, refined over a year of development, ensures precise dimensions and a semi-gloss texture that enhances the tiles' visual appeal. The production, carried out by CASTAA from October to December 2022 in Duran, Ecuador, adheres to rigorous standards to maintain the design's integrity and quality.

Each tile measures 250 mm in width, 10 mm in depth, and 600 mm in height, crafted from SSC/GRC material with a sleek, semi-gloss finish. The design's installation is a thoughtful process, beginning with determining wall dimensions and proceeding through a series of steps to achieve the desired pattern. The result is a wall that interacts with light and shadow, creating a sense of depth and movement that transforms any living space.

Cultura's design is more than just an aesthetic achievement; it is an intellectual property protected under copyright C-001-2019-GC, ensuring that Gabriel Costa's innovative work is recognized and respected. The design's excellence has been acknowledged with an Iron A' Design Award in 2024, a testament to its practicality, innovation, and contribution to a better world through design.

In conclusion, Gabriel Costa's Cultura wall tiles are a celebration of cultural heritage through the lens of contemporary design. They offer a unique way to infuse living spaces with the spirit of ancient artistry, while providing a modern, functional product that stands as a testament to the power of design to bridge time and tradition.