Roca pays homage to the Brazilian architect Ruy Ohtake (1938-2021)

To mark the first anniversary of Ohtake's death, Roca revisits their collaboration with a photo shoot in the house he designed for his legendary mother

On 27 November 2021, the architectural community mourned the death of Ruy Ohtake, the master of Brazilian modernism.

As a tribute to the eminent Brazilian architect on the first anniversary of his death, Roca portrayed their collaborative work on one of the architect's landmarks: the iconic Tomie Ohtake house. The product photos are part of a catalogue featuring a series of stunning images of the house, as well as of other milestones that underscore the importance of his gigantic legacy. The architectural photographs are by Paul Clemence, a long-time collaborator and friend of the architect, who is also responsible for the text of the catalogue. Ruy Teixeira signs all the images of the Ohtake washbasin collection, highlighting hidden shapes and the new black matt ceramic finish.

Born in Brazil in 1938, Ruy Ohtake has realized more than 400 projects over the last five decades, making him one of the most prolific architects in his country. His legacy is spread throughout Brazil and abroad, with Sao Paulo showing the greatest concentration. Yet there was no arrogance in his speech, no clever sayings, or statements, but a deep love for his profession and a fresh approach to every project.

Inspired by his brilliant progenitor, a renown artist, but also influenced by his companion Oscar Niemeyer, his buildings are characterized by color, sculptural forms, and curves. Ruy Ohtake was drawn to nature's gentle forms, and his legacy is replete with this organic quality. Furthermore, the accomplished architect also strived for transcendence through his creations to awaken the senses, and he achieved this connection using curves that always lead the eye in an unexpected direction. This imaginative and whimsical style was also used when creating Roca's basins.

Besides his organic approach, his humble character and meticulous execution of his designs perfectly fitted in with Roca's commitment to craftsmanship and excellence. Consequently, he entered a creative collaboration with the brand in 2018. As a result of this relationship an award-winning washbasin collection was developed. Juries praised the architect's ability to make everyday gestures beautiful, creating a connection with users that went beyond mere utility. Ultimately, Ruy wanted to enrich everyday life, even if just for that moment we stand in front of the sink, lost in our morning thoughts before turning on the cold tap to refresh our face after a dreamy night.

The inspiration behind Ohtake washbasins once again lies in nature, in the curves of the waves and the everchanging line of the horizon. But for this project, he was particularly inspired by the gentle, rounded shapes of the egg, whose lightness and resilience the architect was fortunate to find in Roca's exclusive Fineceramic® technology. Ohtake enhanced the elegance of the lines with the outstanding performance of a porcelain material that makes lighter and more durable washbasins.

With this new catalogue Roca celebrates the outstanding collaboration and recalls an endearing professional friendship that included master classes, exhibitions, awards, and a strong mutually inspiring creative exchange.

The Ohtake washbasin collection consists of four different formats and seven colors including the new matt black finish.