From Mud by Rawan Muqaddas
Splitting her time between London and Kuwait, Rawan Muqaddas celebrates the craft of clay combining aesthetics with functionality in the creation of a therapeutic workspace.
Words: Georgie Ward | Photography: Mohammed Taqi Ashkanani
The From Mud shelves are lined with student’s ceramics work. Photo: Mohammed Taqi Ashkanani
Rawan Muqaddas’ material choice of fluted glass for the studio’s windows and cabinets provides a sense of privacy and translucency. Photo: Mohammed Taqi Ashkanani
From Mud is a tranquil design studio, designed by Rawan Muqaddas, that sits nestled in the heart of the busy city of Kuwait in Western Asia.
The studio was commissioned for established ceramicist Aisha Al Saif, who saw the need to create a therapeutic and collaborative space accessible to all.
The idea for the space was to give opportunity to discovery, research and creation where people of all levels of skill can come together to construct their own creations. Rawan’s brief requirements included storage and shelving that matched the ceramicist’s daily routine: a kiln room, a semi-private office, and a lounge area. The main challenge was to maximise storage and efficiency.
The studio is located within a 1967 Modernist building that was once home to the largest shopping centre in Kuwait. Its upper floors became vacant, with only the retail vendors remaining on street level.
From Mud took ownership of this space, as well as other creatives, who have redefined the tiresome space into a new and creative environment.
The interior decorations mimic the natural shape and form of the clay crafting process, seen in the mirror and vases. Photo: Mohammed Taqi Ashkanani
The warmth of the maple wood, complimented by white walls and delicate fluted glass combines to create a calm and inviting space. Photo: Mohammed Taqi Ashkanani
Shifting the urban fabric of the city, From Mud brings an inviting energy to the previously abandoned location. The studio sits at a quiet and peaceful height, above the busy and bustling textile market of Kuwait.
The clay medium itself was the inspiration behind the workspace’s aesthetic. Its clean lines and subdued colour palette of earthy tones creates a naturally soothing space that echoes the practice at play.
The studio’s interior is made bright due to its light maple wood, complemented by fluted glass windows that allow natural light to spill throughout the space.
Focusing on functionality, Rawan optimised the area to create maximum storage and efficiency by implementing a fully adjustable steel shelving system and large storage cabinets.
From Mud combines aesthetic with functionality, creating a productive workspace that is calming and inviting to those who create with clay.
“I wanted to highlight the rawness of simple materials such as wood and stainless steel that tied in with the studio owner’s ethos.”
The wooden interiors reflect the natural earthy colours of the clay. Photo: Mohammed Taqi Ashkanani
The From Mud shelves are lined with student’s ceramics work. Photo: Mohammed Taqi Ashkanani