Since the Ceramic Studies Department was launched in 2004 by the UIC’s ESARQ School of Architecture, over 200 students have participated in the programme. The training they acquired has both improved their knowledge of the product and given them insight into the vast range of possibilities offered by ceramic tiles in their creative and conceptual work.

Throughout the decade, students have developed many proposals that stand out for their innovative vision and the development of new ceramic applications. All of these projects have been collected in the reports published each year under the title “Ceramic Materials” and can be accessed on the website of the Network of Ceramic Studies Departments.

Each year, the programme of activities has focused on the use and application of ceramics in architecture. Patios, paving and latticework are just some of the subjects that have played a leading role in earlier editions.

As Sarrablo said, “The Ceramic Studies Department has, over these last ten years, contributed renewed interest by architects and architecture students in the possibilities offered by ceramic products and greater appreciation of this material. I believe that this Department, and the rest of the network, have all played their part and helped bring about this change”.

Over the years, the guest speakers on the ESARQ School of Architecture’s Ceramic Studies Department have included such renowned professionals as Carlos Ferrater (OAB), Paredes & Pedrosa, Elena Rocchi (EMBT), Albert Viaplana, Caruso & St. John, Nieto & Sobejano, Javier García-Solera, Juan Herreros, Josep Bohigas (BOPBAA), Bernalte & León, Toni Gironès, Carlos Quintans, Amid (Cero9), Carme Pinós, Fernando Menis, Ruiz-Geli, Barkow & Leibinger, Peter Rich and João Álvaro Rocha. On many occasions, they have also helped students develop their projects and have taken part as judges in the final assessment panels that bring the programme to an end at the close of the academic year.

An example of the programme’s professional approach, as pointed out by Sarrablo, is the success of its students in the prizes for ceramic design awarded at the Cevisama Trade Fair. UIC students have received awards at this event on a remarkable nine consecutive occasions.