Pewabic Pottery

INFORM studio was solicited by the Pewabic Pottery board of directors based on previous reputation of award winning work. Upon a request by the board, INFORM studio was invited to interview and present a design approach for the project. The board selected INFORM studio based on a strategy of reestablishing Pewabic as an institution rooted in innovation.

Detroit’s historic Pewabic Pottery, a nationally renowned nonprofit design studio and ceramic arts education center founded in 1903, has been handcrafting pottery and architectural tiles for public and private buildings in Detroit and across the U.S. for over a century. Pewabic was previously operating with inefficient space, work spaces not ergonomically designed for employees, and a lack of windows and natural light. These conditions diminish the quality of the visitor experience, making movement and demonstrations difficult.

To address these challenges, approximately 2,500 square foot was added to the tile fabrication studio, an addition that more than doubled Pewabic’s current production space, enhanced workflow and efficiency, and improved working conditions for artists while providing a more compelling visitor experience. The addition establishes an open floor plan that allows for a flexible work layout and easy work flow for fabrication, giving fabricators the ability to increase production and efficiency.

The exterior façade is designed to highlight Pewabic’s artistry as well as integrate into the fabric of the residential neighborhood. The proportions, texture and street presence were composed to address the surrounding context while still emphasizing the importance of the studio. The use of a white Roman brick brings the craft of clay from the interior to the exterior while continuing the existing palette. The simplicity of a single building material on the exterior was deliberate in order to compliment rather than mimic the historical context. The brick also serves as a canvas against which Pewabic's tiles and the brick pattern are highlighted. 

The addition was designed to stand as a testament of Pewabic’s legacy of craftsmanship; it speaks to its history while gesturing towards their future. Through thoughtful collaboration between the architectural team, the mason and Pewabics' ceramic designers, each team was able to bring experience in their respective disciplines and create a seamlessly integrated product.

Email interview conducted by John Hill.