A unique Italian Piazza, designed by Francesco Lucchese Studio, was the home of the Italian Pavilion at Coverings 2010, and it showcased an amazing variety of natural stones quarried exclusively in Italy. Organized by the Italian Trade Commission office of Los Angeles, CA, the Italian Pavilion was one of the focal points of the trade show for importers, distributors, architects and fabricators interested in acquiring the latest in stone technology, materials and design. Additionally, noted Italian architect Francesco Lucchese was at the Italian Pavilion to present a seminar on the latest innovations in stone processing and applications.

A total of 21 of the most innovative and internationally esteemed Italian exhibitors were located side by side at the pavilion, which also included a unique Marble Library displaying more than 500 Italian stone samples. This library, designed within the settings of the Luccehese-designed piazza, was conceived to create a multi-sensory experience where patrons can see, feel and touch stones from all over Italy, many of which they have never known existed or they have only seen in pictures.

Participants in the pavilion included: Basaltina, Bresciana Graniti, Ca' d'Oro, Campolonghi, Cons. Export, Consorzio Promex, Danesi Cargo, Marmi Zola, Eurograniti, FMS-Factory Marble & Stone, GDA Marmi E Graniti, Jovino Marmi, La Marmorera Cautanese, Landi Group, Madaschi, Marmi Manzi, Marvit, MEC, Metro Marmi e Graniti, Pimar, Savema and Veronafiere.

Donating to the cause
Upon the conclusion of Coverings 2010, a number of Italian exhibitors from the Italian Pavilion donated their stone samples to Tile Partners for Humanity (TPFH). The Italian Trade Commission noted that this worthy cause serves two important purposes: Providing relief to poor communities and helping the environment -- considering that the samples donated to TPFH would otherwise end up in landfills.

TPFH was founded in 2003 as a partnership between the tile industry and Habitat for Humanity International, a nonprofit organization working to eliminate substandard housing around the world. Industry partners provide tile, setting materials, tools, floor preparation materials, cleaners and sealers, labor and installation training to Habitat affiliates interested in building with tile.

Since the organization's inception, it has provided more than $17 million worth of tile and related products to those in need, both through Habitat for Humanity projects and other charitable organizations. And through the years, Coverings and its exhibitors have played a pivotal role in fostering both TPFH's growth and reach.

Companys donating to TPFH included: Basaltina, Bresciana Graniti, Campolonghi, Marmi Zola, Eurograniti, FMS-Factory Marble & Stone, Gda Marmi E Graniti, Jovino Marmi, La Marmorera Cautanese, Landi Group, Madaschi, Marvit, Metro Marmi e Graniti, Pimar and Savema.