Experimenting with concrete tiles was part of my practice in a short concrete casting class at Central Saint Martins, where I learned about the possibilities of different forms of concrete, such as making sculptures, creating concrete casting molds, and trying out other forms of aggregates. my fascination with concrete materials has led me to explore their unique properties and the potential for natural growth in urban environments.
Through my experimental project, "Concrete Flowers," I hope to raise awareness of the challenges facing plants and flowers in these environments and inspire new approaches to pavement design that can support their growth in a more sustainable and natural way.
Part 1 : "What type of concrete pavement supports the natural growth of plants and flowers?"
This question sparked my interest and prompted me to study the factors and properties of concrete that affect plant growth. To achieve my research goals, I established criteria based on the concept of modules that have equal width and length for easy arrangement.
SPACE
I created enough space for flowers to grow by casting concrete tiles with clay in the middle in a free form. The shape of those spaces was in harmony with nature, allowing the flowers to grow through. Additionally, I added other aggregates such as plastic scraps, rubber scraps, and pigments, which helped to reduce household waste.
TEXTURE
The texture of concrete tiles possesses anti-slip properties, which were achieved through a low embossing technique. To create these tiles, natural materials or materials that create natural patterns, such as textiles or nets, were pressed onto clay and cast in concrete slabs. Some concrete tiles were also mixed with gravel and plastic waste to reduce waste and lessen the burden on society.
aggregates for planting
"We conducted an experiment to test the use of coffee grounds waste as an aggregate in concrete, as coffee grounds contain high nitrogen content and can be used to make fertilizer for planting flowers.
Part 2 : In this project, I utilized concrete tiles to design a sidewalk in a pedestrian area in my hometown. After completing a short course and returning home, I noticed that some areas of the city lacked a lively atmosphere. To improve the overall ambiance of the city, I plan to add green spaces and small flower gardens alongside the walkway. This will create a more welcoming and pleasant environment for pedestrians.
A diagram is provided to illustrate the layout of concrete tiles, which includes selecting plates suitable for planting plants and flowers on the side of the aisle.
The image shows a collage of concrete tiles, displaying their unique patterns and textures, as well as their ability to support the growth of plants and flowers.
