CERAMICS OF ITALY TURNS UP THE HEAT IN ORLANDO(2/26/2012)

This year Coverings will return to the Orange Country Convention Center in Orlando, Florida from April 17-20, 2012 and, not surprisingly, the Italian pavilion will be the center of attention. 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 an exciting new booth design as proposed by his studio.Based on the idea of an Italian piazza, it will feature tile-clad steps that lift the corners of the pavilion to reveal the ever-popular cafe, coffee bar and information booth. Surrounding the central stand will be nearly 50 exhibits from Ceramics of Italy member manufacturers showcasing their stylish and sustainable new tile collections.

After running the Ceramics of Italy Exhibit Design Challenge-a competition to design the next Italian pavilion at Coverings 2012-Ceramics of Italy is excited to debut "Piazza Ceramica" in its central stand (booth #4623). Designed by studio, a dynamic architecture and design firm based in NYC, the 3,000 square foot pavilion will be transformed into a colorful topography-inspired piazza with a large open gathering space and tile-clad steps reminiscent of a piazza church. From the floors and walls to the steps and countertops, nearly every surface in the pavilion will be wrapped in Italian tile-from ceramic mosaics to large and thin-format porcelains. It will also be built on an elevated flooring system, showcasing a solution for uneven floors and hiding unsightly mechanical and electrical services.

The new Italian Pavilion will continue to serve as a central hub of activity and hospitality at the show. Located in the middle of nearly 50 exhibits from Italy's leading tile manufacturers, the pavilion will create a valley that channels the flow of circulation through the exhibition spaces. It will also provide a large open space for attendees to gather on the show floor, take in an espresso and pick up information on the latest developments in the Italian tile industry. The cafe will also serve authentic Italian food prepared by the pavilion's long-running Italian culinary team: Carlo Donadoni and Graziano Sbroggio from Spuntino in Miami.

In terms of events, the Ceramics of Italy Press Conference will take place on Wednesday, April 18 at 4:00PM where representatives from the association will introduce the winners of the 2012 Ceramics of Italy Tile Competition. Ceramics of Italy will also sponsor the third edition of the Installation Design Showcase where Atlanta-based architect Foreman Rogers, of the global design firm tvsdesign, will use new collections from several Italian tile companies to create a beautiful hotel bedroom vignette.

(Author Mosaic and Tile, China Leiyuan 2/26/2012)

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