Italian Tile, Installation Products to be Showcased at Coverings 2016
The Italian pavilion at Coverings 2016, will feature a dynamic new design by the New York firm e+i studio
From April 18-21, Ceramics of Italy will bring one of the largest international contingents to Chicago for the 27th edition of Coverings – the tile and stone industry’s premier exposition in North America. Organized by Confindustria Ceramica (the Italian Association of Ceramics) with support from the Italian Ministry of Economic Development, the Italian pavilion will feature 122 brands introducing the latest design trends and technical innovations in tile and installation products. Meanwhile, a newly designed central stand that serves as an industry information hub and authentic Italian cafe will bring a fresh look and energy to the show.
Italian Pavilion
In the heart of the Italian pavilion, the Ceramics of Italy booth (1531) will feature a dynamic new design by the New York firm e+i studio. With benches, standing communal tables and two large kiosks housing a café, coffee bar and information desk, Strada Dinamica will evoke the configuration and movement of a lively Italian streetscape. The space will function not only as an information point and lunch destination – with authentic Italian pasta served daily by Ceramics of Italy’s long-running culinary partner, Spuntino Catering – but also as a showcase of the inventive offerings from Ceramics of Italy member manufacturers. Furnishings will be clad in Magnum Oversize tiles from Florim and large format tiles from Lea Ceramiche will be set on a raised flooring system by Newfloor while the installation and maintenance of the space will be facilitated by grout and cleaning products from Mapei and Fila Surface Care Solutions.
Surrounding the Ceramics of Italy space, Italian manufacturers will showcase the latest design concepts and technical advancements in tile and adhesives in the Italian 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, hexagon and brick shapes, linear and fragmented designs, chevron and herringbone patterns, and tiles in soft hues and marine color palettes are expected to dominate the show floor. Visitors are encouraged to follow the distinguishable “Made in Italy” trademark throughout the show to find products of superior quality and environmental responsibility.
Installation Design Showcase
For the seventh consecutive year, Ceramics of Italy will participate in the Installation Design Showcase, a show initiative demonstrating the interdependent relationship between innovative products, creative design and expert installation. This year, Ceramics of Italy is working with award-winning interior designer Alena Capra and NTCA Five Star contractors from Artcraft Tile and Marble to create an eye-catching cross-section of a luxury boutique. Over the course of the show, visitors will observe the step-by-step construction of the space including the installation of tile in a variety of sizes and thicknesses, from intricate mosaics and three-dimensional wall tiles to textural floor tiles and a tile-clad central display. Sicis, Atlas Concorde,Tagina Ceramiche d’Arte and Ceramica Sant’Agostino have all donated tiles from popular, award-winning collections while Mapei provided the installation materials to make the vignette a stunning example of the diversity and high quality of Italian products. The live demonstration will take place in booth 6245, culminating in the IDS Deconstructed Session and Final Reveal and Reception on Wednesday, April 20 from 3:30-5:30pm where the team will discuss the project and invite attendees to explore the space and ask questions.
Events
Following the success of previous years, Ceramics of Italy will host a special Coverings VIP Tour, offering specifiers an insider’s look at the Italian ceramic tile industry. On Monday, April 18 and Wednesday, April 20 from 1:00-3:00pm, registered industry professionals will be treated to an authentic Italian lunch, special goodie bag and trend presentation in room S403A, 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 – the world’s largest exhibition of ceramic tile and bathroom furnishings.