NEW YORK, NY -- Tile of Spain will host "Material Matters -- Sustaining the Urban Environment with Natural Material" on Thursday, October 20, 2011 at The Times Center -- The Hall, located at 242 West 41st Street between 7th and 8th Ave. in New York City. The event will take place from 6 to 9 p.m.

Presentations will be given by Spanish architect Ángela García de Paredes and Beyer Blinder Belle architects Richard Southwick and Charles Kramer on the use of high-performance durable materials that add character to urban environments. The speakers will discuss the importance of using materials that reflect the context of local environments and offer sustainable solutions.

Following the formal presentations, a panel discussion led by Susan S. Szenazy, Editor-in-Chief of Metropolis, will explore the use of natural materials in our cities. The speakers will be joined by ceramic tile consultant Patti Fasan and Ignacio Fernandez Solla, architect and leader of the facade team at the Spanish firm Arup.

This program is approved for CEU credits. While sampling Spanish wine and tapas, guests can also peruse displays of new products from Spain from manufacturers Azulev, Ceramica Elias, Inalco, Keraben, Natucer, Pamesa, Porcelanosa, Roca and Saloni.