Navyanidhie Bhatia

Terravitre (terra: earth; vitrum: glass) is a glass slab made by fusing recycled glass and bits of ceramics using the process of glass casting.

My thesis delves into the inception and development of Terravitre, a project born out of my passion for reuse and restoration. My journey was inspired by the recognition of the abundant potential lying dormant in discarded materials and began with profound contemplation on the fate of everyday objects and the untapped value of their constituent materials. Drawing on personal experiences as a ceramic artist confronted with the problem of discarding imperfect creations, I recognized the need for innovative approaches to material reuse.

I decided to focus on glass, a material of enduring fascination, exploring the intersection between ceramics and glass and noting the dearth of existing practices beyond the initial phases of experimentation. Recognizing the inherent recyclability and malleability of glass, I decided to investigate prevailing glass recycling practices, particularly in the United States, where low recycling rates underscore the urgency of sustainable material management. Motivated by the imperative to mitigate the environmental impact of resource depletion, especially in light of sand scarcity—a consequence of heavy sand consumption in glass and concrete production—I embarked on a quest to integrate ceramic and glass fusion techniques. This journey culminated in the conceptualization and realization of Terravitre, aimed at offering consumers novel material surfaces that celebrate the intrinsic beauty and potential of glass, transcending mere product utility.

Through a multidisciplinary exploration of materials, processes, and sustainability principles, this thesis elucidates the transformative journey from contemplation to innovation, underscored by a profound commitment to resource stewardship and the realization of untapped material potential. Terravitre emerges as a tangible manifestation of creative ingenuity and a testament to the imperative of reimagining materiality in pursuit of a more sustainable and aesthetically enriching future.