Epi-Happy Tableware

Press Kit

Unique Properties

Epi-Happy is a small centerpiece for a dinner table or an office desk. The inspirational background -a translation in three dimensional space of ornamental motifs- make it a classic yet a contemporary stylish object with smooth lines and a funny playful mood. A triple repetition of a basic unit creates a continuous storage area that can store or display several small objects, varying from small fruits and ornaments to keys and usb devices. Epi-Happy is a friendly space occupant. The empty space in the center of the centerpiece has the advantage of being used in addition to an already-existing centerpiece, be it a vase of flowers, a candle holder or anything that fits in. Of course you can just throw a ball in it and try to roll it round and round. This way Epi-Happy can act as an anti-stress device for adults or became a game to practice dexterity for minors.

Dimensions & Packaging

Width mm x Depth mm x Height mm = 180 x 180 x 56mm

Tags

tableware, decorative, office desk, centerpiece, centrepiece

Production Technology

The Basic Unit will be slip-cast (produced from liquid clay in plaster mold) and will be produced in White Ceramic material. The cast piece will be removed from the mold, then trimmed neatly and allowed to dry. This produces a greenware piece which is then dried and glazed before firing the units into a kiln. If possible, during the drying process, the units will be connected to form the final shape, else, the units will be connected to each other with Alnico V or Ceramic cylindrical shaped magnets. The pole pieces will be recessed in the edges of each Unit.

Design Challenge

The challenge was to create a complex continuous surface using a single element with a simple form that’s easy to reproduce.

Project Duration

The project started in October 2013 in Thessaloniki and finished in January 2014.

Operation Flow

Three Units assembled in place with magnetic force, or pre-assembled during manufacturing process, form a continuous storage space for domestic or office usage. The Basic Unit can have alternative side endings, so dividing the continuous space in half or thirds is also possible.

Research

This design is a study on the slip-casting ceramic fabrication method used for manufacturing complex continuous three-dimensional geometrical defined forms that can be materialized easily once they are made of a repeatable basic unit.

Inspiration

This design is heavily influenced by the works of M.C. Escher on one-sided surfaces, firstly discovered by A.F. Mobius and inspired from two-dimensional repeatable decorative patterns and the hidden mathematical theorem underneath them. Decoration and ornament pattern has been evident in civilizations since the beginning of recorded history mostly as surface modulations. Despite the fact of the apparent lack of ornaments of 20th century modern architecture and applied arts, Epi-Happy is here to remind that these kind of patterns are a tremendous source of inspiration: Geometrically speaking Epi-Happy (hence the name) is the trace of the trajectory of an epicycloid in three-dimensional space.

Image Credits

Image #1: Architect George Drakakis, Epi-Happy, 2014.
Image #2: Architect George Drakakis, Epi-Happy, 2014.
Image #3: Architect George Drakakis, Epi-Happy, 2014.
Image #4: Architect George Drakakis, Epi-Happy, 2014.
Image #5: Architect George Drakakis, Epi-Happy, 2014.

Colors of Epi-Happy Tableware