As the home of the world’s oldest university in continuous operation, Bologna, Italy, knows a thing or two about imparting wisdom to the next generation. But learning doesn’t stop after school. As any designer can tell you, it takes regular trips to international trade fairs to keep up with the latest global trends, innovations and techniques. And as it turns out, Bologna knows a thing or two about that, too.
Each September, the city hosts Cersaie, the International Exhibition of Ceramic Tile and Bathroom Furnishings. Founded in 1983, the event draws together upwards of 100,000 visitors from more than 160 countries — making it the perfect opportunity to connect with others in the ceramic tile and sanitaryware sector. The 2024 edition of Cersaie takes place September 23-27, and it’s already promising an action-packed syllabus.
Of course, educational programming is only as good as the person teaching it — and in the case of Cersaie, the speakers who take the stage are a highly esteemed bunch. The design fair is the only one in the world that can count 12 Pritzker Prize winners among its past speakers, and this year’s lineup is set to add a 13th Pritzker winner to that record. Additional expertise will be delivered in technical and sustainability-focused seminars featuring live tile installations that showcase a full variety of techniques and formats — from outdoor pavers to large-scale countertop surfacing and exterior cladding.
Meanwhile, when it comes to visual inspiration, the fair promises no shortage of ceramic eye candy. New product launches from some 600 international manufacturers are ready to set your next commercial and residential design projects in motion. Expect the latest offerings to respond to current colour trends with nature-inspired greens and blues, plus an assortment of soft pastels — but there’s bound to be a few surprises in the mix as well.
Beyond just reflecting today’s aesthetic tastes, Cersaie’s new tiles also speak to the latest manufacturing advances, incorporating three-dimensional textural treatments or ever-more realistic through-body veining visible on stone and marble-effect treatments. The show also demonstrates the true versatility of ceramics, with floor-to-ceiling ceramics that offer an alternative to traditional wallpaper in one corner, and wall-mounted porcelain sinks and washbasins in another. Adding to the ceramics industry’s momentum are the natural hygienic and sustainability properties of ceramic and porcelain, which are easy to clean and ready to stand up to regular wear and tear.
It also doesn’t hurt that Bologna is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, internationally renowned for its architecture and food — meaning there’s plenty to see (and eat) before and after the fair, too. When it comes to pasta, porcelain, and Pritzker-level expertise, Cersaie 2024 is the place to study up.
This content was published by Azure on behalf of Cersaie.
Cersaie Brings Porcelain and a Pritzker Winner to Italy’s Pasta Capital
The 41st edition of the International Exhibition of Ceramic Tile and Bathroom Furnishings takes place in Bologna from September 23-27.