Coverings has partnered with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) School of Architecture, to develop a course that will investigate the use of tile as a medium for furniture design.

Through a 13-week series of lectures and workshops, students enrolled in “Mediations on Making – Exploring Furniture Design” will learn about the factors involved in designing furniture, opportunities and constraints of tile, design visualization and presentation, construction and installation drawings, and fabrication processes. The course also will include a competition where each student will design a conceptual drawing of a bench using tile and stone as its source material.  A jury will select six concepts for students to fabricate and display at Coverings, from April 29—May 2, 2014 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. 

“This is an excellent opportunity to create a dialogue between students and the tile industry as a working collaboration,” said Jonathon Anderson, course director and assistant professor at the UNLV School of Architecture. “It also will expose our talented students to the many usages of tile, enhance their knowledge of furniture design and fabrication, and gain real-world exposure to the exhibition of prototypes.” 

“Mediations on Making – Exploring Furniture Design” is supported by a number of leading manufacturers, which will be providing students with high-quality materials and real-world training. Arizona Tile will be providing tile for the program, Bonsal/Prospec and wedi will supply installation and structural materials, and Alpha Tools will provide the necessary tools. The National Tile Contractors Association, as well as Bonsal/Prospec, will provide certified trainers to educate students on the fabrication and application processes. 

“The partnership between Coverings and UNLV to develop this unique opportunity for students to partner with leading manufacturers, fabricators and installers in the tile and stone industry, will greatly enhance their knowledge and skillset for their future design careers,” said Karin Fendrich, Coverings show director. “This program also highlights Coverings’ commitment to industry education and expanding the knowledge to emerging talent that tile and stone are surfaces with unbridled design potential.” 

The six finalist benches will be displayed on the Coverings show floor for the duration of the exposition and conference for all attendees to enjoy. During the Coverings 25th Anniversary celebration on Wednesday, April 30, attendees will have the opportunity to bid on the benches in a silent auction that will benefit the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation and a charity of UNLV’s choice.