Cersaie 2011, the world’s largest event for the ceramic and bathroom furnishing trade, was also a meeting point for progressive design thinkers from the world over.
While there were about a hundred thousand visitors from all over the globe that made a bee-line to Cersaie in Bologna, Italy, the eventthis year was so much more than the world’s largest ceramic and bathroom trade fair. In store for visitors was not just a ‘touch and feel’ of some of the most innovative products from the ceramic and bathroom space internationally, but also a smorgasbord of design activities that were organized concurrent to this mega show.
Patricia Urquiola regaled with a quick-fire presentation that lasted for more than 90 minutes taking the audience on a whirlwind journey. From working with carpet manufacturers in India, to designing a 4-star hotel project in the Caribbean, Patricia Urquiola was at her insightful best, shining a spotlight on her various endeavours and allowing the viewers a peak into the inner workings of her mind. Another interesting meet was a presentation by fi ve architects aimed at showcasing sustainabilitybased architectural solutions. The shared characteristic of each of the guest speakers was the quest for a sustainable form of development that prompts an innovative and eco-friendly approach.Bijoy Jain from Mumbai Studio, India, was one of the speakers who made an impassioned speech on his indigenous and ethical approach to building. Believing firmly in acting local (for materials used and craftsmen engaged), he highlighted the collective role of highly skilled artisans and craftsman, and the vast contribution they have made to his project, practice and thinking. Zhang Ke, a principal at Standardarchitecture from China, captivated the crowd showcasing his projects that ranged from 30,000 sq. metre commissions to even a miniscule single occupant pod. He illustrated his desire to root his buildings and landscapes in the historic and cultural settings with a degree of intellectual debate.
The next day saw a talk by master architect Kengo Kuma titled the ‘Power of the Place’. The Japanese architect shared his large repertoire of work from Japan and outside keeping delegates riveted to their seats. Kengo Kuma’s projects refl ected his leanings towards the tradition of Japanese building, however, with an agenda to reinterpret it for the 21st century.
Stretching outside the boundaries of the fair ground, Cersaie spread its wings to the historical centre of Bologna city where stylized cubes made to resemble big apples became spaces for creativity and expression. Each of these display cases were stylised with tiles or bath furnishing elements showcasing the latest design trends and intriguing the hoi polloi with these pleasant intrusions.
Also showcased at the fairgrounds was “Metomorfosi” – an inspiring exhibit that explored the different elements of the ceramic sector. From a 25 foot tall installation made with ceramic water closets to others made with tiles the exhibition was a creative vision of 8 young Italian designers to showcase the different and unexpected use of ceramics.What was very apparent at Cersaie was the buoyant mood of the sector. The Italian ceramic industry accounts for 41% (in value terms) of the international ceramic trade and continues to see a positive growth even in these difficult economic times. To commemorate and recognize the quality of their products the industry has introduced the “Ceramics of Italy’ seal. This will be used as an identity by manufacturers as a quality mark that is symbolic of best practice and products made in Italy which we have all grown to love and trust.
No comments:
Post a Comment