Contributing to the ceramic tradition with contemporary technological means to make the trade a matter of the future.
Turning a ceramic workshop into a craft company specialized in large architectural projects is only possible through innovation, both in processes and in the business model. A ceramist can offer a lot of added value also to contemporary crafts, but for that he must learn to speak the same language as contemporary architects and offer them processes and results that fit into current projects. That is what Cerámica Cumella has achieved, providing great added value to all the projects in which they participate. This value is not only aesthetic, it is often also functional, since their deep knowledge of the material allows them to apply innovations that respond to the needs of the most demanding projects. There is a constant R&D and interdisciplinary dialogue.
Cumella started by analyzing the production processes (some operations are monotonous and heavy and do not contribute to the result) and being aware of general technological advances they initiated a collaboration with universities with advanced robotics programs and exchanged knowledge with other companies. This resulted in the development of collaborative robots which have been important for them due to their flexibility in its use as well as the simple programming.
They converted into a benchmark company thanks to their innovations based on a tailored crafts concept for each project, without the need to have a catalogue with a closed line of products.
Resources needed
70.000 EUR in the last years
Evidence of success
The craftsmen's workload improves making their tasks easier.
The processes times are shortened and consequently the profitability of the company grows.
Difficulties encountered
Its quick learning, because when you implement an innovation, it becomes essential very soon. We live in a way that when the result is expected, it seems that the implemented element has existed forever.
Potential for learning or transfer
Approximately from the year 2000, Ceràmica Cumella understood that the dissemination of ceramics in architecture schools was necessary so that future architects would know its possibilities. At present we continue with this idea of the dissemination of ceramic processes within the concept of New Craftsmanship or Technified Craftsmanship with the use of new technologies and for this we collaborate with the IAAC (Institute of Advanced Architecture of Catalonia). As our approach is to disseminate, with the public exhibitions and publications it means that everything developed can serve other people who have an interest and can benefit from our activity, there are already many concepts that are not specific to our production.
Tags: Art, Design, Efficiency, Innovation
