Best of CERSAIE 2013

<p class='MsoNormal'><em>Maximum Travertino</em> by Fiandre</p> — Best of Cersaie 2013
*Maximum Travertino* by Fiandre
Photo courtesy Fiandre

41Zero42 is a young company that combines research, technology, innovation, and design to radically change the appearance and performance of ceramic tile. <em>U-Color</em>, shown here, is a hybrid art — Best of Cersaie 2013
41Zero42 is a young company that combines research, technology, innovation, and design to radically change the appearance and performance of ceramic tile. *U-Color*, shown here, is a hybrid artisan product that uses the application of cold glazes for an infinite range of colors.

Photo courtesy 41Zero42

Best of Cersaie 2013
Colorful mosaics line Bisazza introduced its first ceramic tile collections at this year’s Cersaie. Minimal designs by Antonio Citterio and Patricia Viel were juxtaposed with Marcel Wanders' playful *Frozen Garden* collection of hexagonal tiles, seen here, available in black or white.
Photo courtesy Bisazza

<em>Empreinte Cementine</em><br />Impronta Ceramiche<br /> — Best of Cersaie 2013
*Empreinte Cementine*
Impronta Ceramiche
Photo courtesy Impronta Ceramiche

<em>Wood Talk 180</em><br />Ergon<br /><br /> — Best of Cersaie 2013
*Wood Talk 180*
Ergon

Photo courtesy Ergon

<em>Life Moro</em><br />Ceramiche Caesar<br /> — Best of Cersaie 2013
*Life Moro*
Ceramiche Caesar
Photo courtesy Ceramiche Caesar

<p class='MsoNormal'><em>Block</em><br />Marazzi</p> — Best of Cersaie 2013
*Block*
Marazzi
Photo © Andrea Ferrari

<em>Patchwork</em><br />Cottovietri<br /> — Best of Cersaie 2013
*Patchwork*
Cottovietri
Photo courtesy Cottovietri

<em>Meltin</em><br />FAP Ceramiche<br /> — Best of Cersaie 2013
*Meltin*
FAP Ceramiche
Photo courtesy FAP Ceramiche

<em>Equilibri</em><br />LaFaenza Ceramica<br /> — Best of Cersaie 2013
*Equilibri*
LaFaenza Ceramica
Photo courtesy LaFaenza Ceramica

<em>Epic</em><br />Cerdomus<br /> — Best of Cersaie 2013
*Epic*
Cerdomus
Photo courtesy Cerdomus

For over 30 years, the annual Cersaie exhibit in Bologna, Italy, has been an important showcase for the latest trends and innovations in ceramic tile and bathroom furnishings. Although economic hardships around the world have impacted various trade shows and conferences, this year’s Cersaie, held in late September, demonstrated serious staying power with its more than 75,000 visitors. The show revealed bold new directions for ceramic tile, including startling mix-and-match patterns, heavily textured wall surfaces, and illusory designs that have tile looking like anything but ceramic.

A country at the forefront of design, Italy has long struck a unique balance between innovation and tradition, and that mastery is evident in the country’s manufacture of ceramic tile, a process that dates back to antiquity but has come a long way. From Cottovietri’s boutique handcrafted collections to machine-made, digitally printed faux bois and faux marble styles, to flashy, glitter-infused selections from famous fashion houses including Roberto Cavalli, Versace, and Valentino, there were more than enough options on display to satisfy the purist, the minimalist, or the risk taker.

Click through the slideshow above to read more about each product.

Josephine Minutillo is editor in chief of Architectural Record. Trained as an architect, she began writing for RECORD in 2001 while practicing architecture, and has held several positions at the magazine over the past two decades. Her articles have appeared in many international publications. She has been an invited critic at Washington University in St. Louis, The Cooper Union, Columbia GSAPP, Pratt Institute, The City College of New York, and Yale University.
Instagram: @josephineminutillo_