The 33rd edition of Cersaie – the International Exhibition of Ceramic Tile and Bathroom Furnishings, was held in Bologna, Italy from 28th September to 2nd October this year.
Cersaie attracted more than 101,000 visitors including industry professionals, journalists and consumers from all over the world.
The six product sectors showcased at Cersaie were represented by a total of 872 exhibitors at the show, including 319 foreign companies from 39 different countries such as Argentina, Japan, the UAE, the United States and several others.
The best represented sector was that of ceramic tiles with 491 companies (including 236 non-Italian), followed by bathroom furnishings with 226 participants. As usual, the commercial side of the show was complemented by events catering for the world of architecture, interior design, installation and end consumers.
Cersaie began with the Keynote Lecture given by 2014 Pritzker Prize winner Glenn Murcutt and renowned architects Markus Bader and Arturo Franco discussed the theme of ‘Reinventing the City.’
The fair continued with conferences and talks on a range of subjects, along with its cultural programme titled ‘Building, Dwelling, Thinking’ which included learning opportunities such as interactions with creative professionals and the second edition of the ADI Ceramics Design Award for innovative design in Italian ceramics.
The exhibition Cer-Stile was an important event which explored new concepts of liveability and regeneration of some typically Italian sites. The exhibition used imaginary, surreal and ironic scenarios to showcase products and solutions from leading companies in their fields – from fashion and ceramics to furnishings and surface coverings, from bathroom furnishings through to cosmetics and textiles.
Day Off was an installation designed by Diego Grandi and promoted by EdiCer and Bologna Fiere, which was on display at Cersaie 2015. The project was for a weekend retreat, based on the principles of beauty and simplicity, which explores the relationship between man and nature.
Another new development is the Bologna Design Week, an event that brings together the cultural, productive and creative excellence of the local region in an integrated communication system. This initiative will transform the city of Bologna into a centre of attraction for Italian design, hosting a wide range of events including exhibitions, workshops and talks as part of eight thematic routes.
But as always, the main draw for Cersaie was the stalls which were showcasing their latest collections and innovations.
Cersaie showcased a wide variety of tile designs ranging from the minimalist and sedate to quirky. Among the most interesting was Design Job’s glass mosaic in the Neogothic style for Bisazza. Named ‘Perished’, the design consists of skeletons of various animals and birds in black and white, as well as with Bisazza’s new rose gold mosaic tiles.
An interesting development is the introduction of Tonino Lamborghini high range ceramic tiles, in partnership with GS Luxury Group and Formitalia. The tile range is a part of the larger Tonino Lamborghini Home, a luxury living concept from the company that gave us the Lamborghini car.
Text By Alyssa Lobo
Contact
web: www.cersaie.it/en
