You Are There: Cersaie ‘04

Tiles are the focus of Cersaie, the ceramic trade’s annual gathering in Bologna, Italy, where over 1000 exhibitors and 170,000 attendees descended Sept. 28-Oct. 3 to peruse the latest styles. The crowds were there not only to see the new products, but also to attend marketing and technology seminars, marvel at the elaborately decorated and designed booths, hobnob with their cohorts, and learn about new developments in the tile industry, a 5-million-euro-a-year business in Italy.

The fair always inspires, and this year the trends included tiles that mimicked natural forms, such as stone, slate, and wood; continued explorations of color, surface textures, and finishes; and super-sized tiles (including offerings up to 39 by 118 inches). Evolving technology made possible some of the new tile designs and characteristics on display; evident also was a more acute awareness of sustainability, including new approaches to making the tile industry eco-friendly. Some of the show’s high points follow.