Ceramics of Italy will bring one of the largest international contingents to Orlando for Coverings, April 4-7. Organized by Confindustria Ceramica (the Italian Association of Ceramics) with support from the Italian Ministry of Economic Development, the Ceramics of Italy pavilion will feature 76 booths and over 100 brands introducing the latest designs and technical innovations in tile and installation products. Returning for a second year, the Ceramics of Italy will host a central stand, Strada Dinamica, serving as an industry information hub and authentic Italian café.
Strada Dinamica, Italian for “dynamic street” and designed by e+i studio, is modeled after a lively streetscape with landscaped benches, standing communal tables, and two kiosks housing a cafe, coffee bar, and information desk. The space will host lunch with authentic Italian pasta served daily by Ceramics of Italy’s long-running culinary partner, Sputino Catering. Nearly all of the surfaces will be clad in Italian tile, from the thin, large porcelain slabs from Florim’s Magnum Oversize collection covering the benches, tables and countertops to the thick, large-format floor tiles from Lea Ceramiche that are set on a raised flooring system by Newfloor.
Surrounding the Ceramics of Italy space, Italian manufacturers will showcase the latest design concepts and technical advancements in tile and adhesives in the Ceramics of Italy pavilion. From artisanal ceramics, high-end mosaics, and ceramic-porcelain hybrids to oversized porcelain slabs, antibacterial grouts, and easy laying floor systems, hundreds of innovative products will be shown. This year, textured textile and wood-look designs, matte blacks and deep blue hues, 3D and large-format tiles, and rustic styles invigorated with a modern touch are expected to dominate the show floor.
For the eighth consecutive year, Ceramics of Italy will also participate in the Coverings Installation Design Showcase, an initiative that allows the association to highlight the vast and extensive uses of Italian ceramics in tandem with design and installation. This year for the first time, Coverings partnered with Orlando Lakefront–a tiny home and RV community in College Park, Fla.–to create small spaces that will be moved to the tiny home community at the show’s conclusion. Ceramics of Italy’s display will be designed by Kim Lewis, who has developed a modern retro bungalow concept titled “Palm Springs.” Ceramics of Italy products will be used, including three-dimensional and marble-look tiles by Atlas Concorde and tiles with naturalistic motifs from Gruppo Ricchetti brands that will be installed in the space in real-time
Ceramics of Italy will also host a Coverings VIP Tour, offerings specifiers an insider’s look at the Italian ceramic tile industry. On Tuesday, April 4 and Thursday, April 6 from 1-3 p.m., registered industry professionals will be treated to an authentic Italian lunch, a special goodie bag, and a trend presentation in room S310A, followed by a guided walking tour of the Ceramics of Italy Pavilion. They will also be entered into a drawing to win a trip to Bologna, Italy to attend Cersaie, Sept. 25-29.
For more information, visit http://www.laceramicaitaliana.it/en.
