Cersaie 2023: 40 years of Innovation and Architectural Space

Everything’s ready for the fortieth edition of Cersaie, the International Exhibition of Ceramic Tile and Bathroom Furnishings, coming up September 25 through 29 2023 in Bologna’s trade fair district. In four decades of growth, the event in Bologna has become a global landmark for experts in the field, from architects to investors. Each edition represents a step forward in the evolution of materials and trends, with a focus on transformation of architectural space through creative use of innovative materials. The fortieth anniversary edition will offer a special opportunity to reflect on the past and look forward to the future, a concept clearly expressed in the use of the portal symbol in the iconography identifying Cersaie 2023. A space-time threshold that visitors step over into the future, discovering new configurations of architectural space in the trade fair; an image incarnating the desire to draw on the legacy of the past and move forward in architectural innovation.

The idea of rethinking and reconfiguring architectural space with innovative materials, the fruit of advanced research, lies at the heart of Cersaie, supported by activities at the trade fair itself as well as a packed schedule of conferences, exhibitions, keynote addresses and workshops accompanying the five-day event. Highlights will include the "Café della Stampa", or “Press café”, where representatives of prominent specialised magazines will discuss the theme of "architectural space” and, above all, a cultural programme entitled “Costruire, Abitare, Pensare" (“Building, Dwelling, Thinking”).
In the context of this programme, Cersaie 2023 will present a lecture by Chinese architect Xu Tiantian, founder of DnA Design and Architecture of Beijing. Her conference, scheduled for 11 AM on 27 September at the Palazzo dei Congressi in BolognaFiere, will address the issue of rural revitalisation in China through a holistic approach to architecture and design. Xu Tiantian’s work demonstrates how architecture can improve life in rural communities by integrating tradition and innovation.
On 28 September, also at Palazzo Congressi, a conference will be held to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Sydney Opera House built by Jørn Utzon (1973-2023). French art critic and historian Françoise Fromonot and other special guests will lead the audience on a voyage of discovery of this important work of contemporary architecture, in which ceramics play a key role.
Finally, "Route 40" is an exhibition that will allow visitors to look back at how Cersaie has evolved over the past 40 years, focusing on major changes in culture, society and design and how they relate to ceramics and bathroom furnishings.
Cersaie 2023 promises to be an outstanding event, a great opportunity to celebrate the past, explore the present and imagine the future of architecture and design. Its ability to bring together industry, architects and the public makes it an essential event for anyone interested in the creation of innovative architectural spaces and the use of advanced new materials.

(Agnese Bifulco)

Images courtesy of Cersaie and Iris Ceramica Group

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