Every year, Ceramics of Italy hosts a Tile Competition, which recognizes North American architects and designers who have showcased Italian tile in their projects. The annual awards program, sponsored by Confindustria Ceramica (the Italian Association of Ceramics) and the Italian Trade Commission, is the longest-running awards program of its kind. Architects and designers are given the opportunity to submit a project of their choice in one of three categories — Residential, Commercial or Institutional — to be judged by a panel of international judges. In addition to a $4,000 cash prize, the winner of each category receives a complimentary trip to Cersaie, the world’s largest exhibition of ceramic tile and bathroom furnishings, taking place this year from September 22-26, 2014. All of the winning projects were chosen for their innovative use of Italian tile, quality of installation, overall design excellence and sustainability.
This year’s Institutional winner was Mitchell and Hilarie Morgan Hall at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. The project was designed by MGA Partners in Philadelphia, PA, and was identified as one of the “key projects” in Temple University’s Masterplan. “Mitchell and Hilarie Morgan Hall contributes to transforming the University into a community-engaged, pedestrian-oriented, academic and cultural destination in Philadelphia,” said Christine Marsal, Partner at MGA. “The project encompasses a full city block on the southern edge of Temple’s campus and is both the announcement of the institution along the approach from Center City, and the culmination of the pedestrian spine, Liacouras Walk, which runs through campus.”