Over 90,000 visitors from around the world are expected to attend the 24th edition of Cersaie, the world's largest international exhibition of ceramic tile and bathroom furnishings.


The event tile enthusiasts have been waiting for all year is just around the corner. From September 26-30, 2006 over 90,000 visitors from around the world will travel to Bologna, Italy to attend CERSAIE 2006, the world's largest international exhibition of ceramic tile and bathroom furnishings. Organized by Edi.Cer in conjunction with Assopiastrelle and BolognaFiere, the 5-day event will feature more than 1,000 exhibitors from 32 countries. Now in its 24th edition, the show is famed as a launching pad for new innovative products, cutting edge designs and top trends.

Visitors to Cersaie 2005 were the first to learn about the metallic hues, damask motifs, faux fabric prints, crocodile-like textures and innovative new formats that swept the industry. Italian tile manufacturers promise an array of fresh patterns, decors and sizes for the upcoming year. New interpretations of materials including fabrics, tapestry, wood, leather and faux-skin will be seen throughout the show. This year's introductions include zebra, leopard and snake skin with special relief effects and trendy colors. Visitors should also be ready for a blast from the past. Cersaie 2005 revisited the 1970s era of mod shapes and retro-colors whereas this year's edition will follow the recent craze in the fashion industry and step into the ‘80s.

2005 Pritzker Prize winner and co-founder of Morphosis and SCI-Arc Thom Mayne will present a keynote lecture on Thursday September 28 as part of Architecture Day at Cersaie.
The large central exhibit, located at the entrance to the show, will also have a new look for 2006. Designed by architects Dante Donegani and Giovanni Lauda, the space entitled "Ceramic Springs Sorgenti Ceramiche" is inspired by the evolution of the bathroom from an essential functional room to a more complex space. This "oasis of wellness" will be constructed using Italian ceramic tiles and bathroom furniture from leading manufacturers and explore new trends in color, texture and shape. The exhibit will also include the Ceramic Tiles Of Italy information point where visitors can find the latest publications on the Italian ceramic tile industry.

In addition to over 156,000 square meters of show floor, Cersaie boasts an enriching program of seminars. As in past years, the line-up will feature top name architects and designers. 2005 Pritzker Prize winner and co-founder of Morphosis and SCI-Arc Thomas Mayne and renowned Italian architect Massimiliano Fuksas have already been confirmed as key speakers for this year's show.

In a tradition that began in 2000, an internationally acclaimed architect or interior designer is commissioned to design the show's poster. This year's image was created by world-renowned designer and architect, Antonio Citterio. The image, abstract with indistinct edges and a rigorous proportion, depicts a rectangle divided according to the golden proportion, an evident expression of the importance of geometry and the laws of mathematics as the foundations of architectural structures.

For additional information on Cersaie 2006, visit the show's official websitewww.cersaie.it. The recently redesigned site features a new streamlined look, user-friendly menus and navigational tools, an expanded press area and complete show information in English and Italian.