Arpi on Tile
Italian Tile, Style, and Design Await Visitors
Cersaie 2023 Opens in Bologna in September
(Photo courtesy Cersaie)
By Arpi Nalbandian Tileometry
Bologna, the medieval city where wonders of sight and taste await, and where the world’s oldest university was founded in 1088 (and still in operation) will soon host the 40th edition of Cersaie, the International Exhibition of Ceramic Tile and Bathroom Furnishings on Sept. 25-29. Global manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and installation pros will converge upon this historical city to see and touch the latest innovations from the European tile industry. With the majority of the more than 620 exhibitors having roots in Italy, Spain, Turkey, India, and Brazil, the latest developments rendered in tile designs and formats are sure to please the estimated 93,000 international attendees. To mark this significant anniversary, Cersaie has unveiled a new feature – Route 40 -- that emphasizes how the show has gracefully evolved over the years. Highlighting historical design, technology, products and companies, organizers note that, “Route 40 takes the visitor through the defining moments of these four decades, illustrating the major changes that have taken place in culture, society, design, and production.
(Photo courtesy Cersaie)
“Curated by designer and engineer Davide Vercelli, and designed by architect Dario Curatolo, Route 40 will wind its way through the halls of Cersaie, starting from the Quadriportico – the starting point and conceptual link in this fascinating tale – and will continue in Gallery 21-22, 25-26 and in the Mall of Hall 37 with displays narrating each decade.” Organizers further add that the “itinerary is not intended as a nostalgic experience;” rather, it will precisely demonstrate Cersaie’s role in presenting extraordinary ceramic tile products capable of informing and influencing professionals within the design and architectural fields. Whether it’s a new hue, thickness, stone- or wood-like biomimicry, recycled content levels, or newly developed installation methods/products, Cersaie continues to hold its place as the premier event where visitors are the first to preview of what to expect stateside in the near future. In addition to all the new ceramic tile products to admire, visitors will be able to appreciate the perseverance and professionalism of installers. The 11th edition of Tiling Town, the 400 m² space dedicated to industry specialists, will feature installation programs presented by Assoposa, the Italian association for ceramic tile installers and master tile layers … which, by the way, is celebrating its 10-year anniversary this year.
(Photo courtesy Cersaie)
(Photos courtesy Cersaie)
Accordingly, there are several technical seminars focusing on the installation of large-format ceramic tile slabs (aimed at architects and designers), opportunities to gain CEUs (architects, engineers, and surveyors), certification training courses, as well as an “exhibition of spaces and furnishings created using ceramic tiles of all sizes, from the smallest mosaics through to large-format slabs,” adds Cersaie organizers. As you can tell, there’s plenty to do and see during the five-day event! If this is your first time attending Cersaie, then along with your travel essentials and documents, do not forget to pack comfortable shoes and a sense for adventure. The exhibit halls are large buildings and separated — unlike Coverings, where everything is pretty much under one roof. You don’t want to miss anything so don’t let your foot pain or blisters stop you. Also, while you’re exploring Bologna – either pre- or post-show – do make sure to look up and admire the spectacular porticoes of Bologna. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2021, they cover nearly 62 km (38.5 miles) in combined length. The artistry and architecture of these vaulted structures constructed of either wood, stone, or bricks, are nearly as old as the city’s university, Universita Di Bologna. In the next issue of Stone Update Magazine, I’ll cover the many new tile products and designs revealed during Cersaie with a keen focus on the noteworthy show-stopping tile trends that will soon appear in the domestic and international markets. About Cersaie Cersaie is organized by Edi.Cer SpA and promoted by Confindustria Ceramica in collaboration with Bologna Fiere. For more information about the event, exhibitors, and special events and spaces, please visit the Cersaie’s website.
Bologna’s enchanting, purposeful porticos (Photo ©2023 Arpi Nalbandian)