One of the tile industry's prominent events is just around the corner. From September 26-30 over 90,000 visitors from around the world are expected to travel to Bologna, Italy to attend Cersaie 2006, the world's largest international exhibition of ceramic tile and bathroom furnishings. Organized by Edi.Cer in conjunction with Assopiastrelle and BolognaFiere, the five-day event will feature more than 1,000 exhibitors from 32 countries. Now in its 24th edition, the show plans to showcase innovative products, cutting edge designs and top trends.

Italian tile manufacturers plan an array of fresh patterns, decors and sizes for the upcoming year. New interpretations of materials including fabrics, tapestry, wood, leather and faux-skin will be seen throughout the show with a focus on zebra, leopard and snakeskin, special relief effects and trendy colors. The show will highlight recent trends in the fashion industry and find influence from the ‘80s, organizers note.

The central exhibit located at the entrance to the show will also have a new look. Designed by architects Dante Donegani and Giovanni Lauda, the space entitled, "Ceramic Springs Sorgenti Ceramiche" is inspired by the evolution of the bathroom from a functional room to one full of design. The exhibit will be made using Italian ceramic tiles and bathroom furniture from leading manufacturers and will aim to explore new trends in color, texture and shape, according to show organizers.

In addition to over 156,000 square meters of show floor, Cersaie will also play host to a full slate of seminars, highlighted by 2005 Pritzker Prize winner and co-founder of Morphosis and SCI-Arc Thomas Mayne and renowned Italian architect Massimiliano Fuksas.

For more information, visit www.cersaie.it.

Links

• Cersaie