Cersaie 2025: It's a Wrap
BOLOGNA, ITALY -- After an energizing week in Bologna, the 42nd edition of Cersaie has officially wrapped, reaffirming its status as the leading international event for ceramic and porcelain surface coverings and bathroom furnishings. Over 600 manufacturers from 29 countries unveiled the latest design directions and technological innovations in the tile industry – from expansive full-surface cladding to experiments in light, color drenching, warm hues, three-dimensional forms, bold graphic motifs and scales ranging from oversized porcelain slabs to intricate mosaic formats.
This year’s fair not only spotlighted color and design trends, such as the pervasive return of rich browns in every shape and size, but also introduced cutting-edge production methods, sustainable practices and mesmerizing material applications, including reflective finishes, shimmery surfaces, backlit effects and richly textured tiles.
Beyond the show floor, the “Building, Dwelling, Thinking” program once again proved a highlight. American architect Elizabeth Diller, partner at Diller Scofidio + Renfro (DS+R), delivered the keynote lecture, offering insight into her studio’s most celebrated projects. She revisited the origins of the High Line, the 2.3-kilometre elevated park in New York that transformed a derelict rail line into a thriving urban hub. “Every good action for the local population must also bring an economic benefit to the city as a whole,” said Diller, describing the project as “a subconscious space that doesn’t feel real, where the landscape is brought to life by natural vegetation introduced into the area’s various microcosms.”
Throughout the week, the buzz extended across press cafés, technical seminars and live installation demonstrations at Tiling Town. On Tuesday, the annual Ceramics of Italy International Press Conference once again gathered media from around the globe to explore emerging directions in the sector. Global trend consultant Cristina Faedi outlined this season’s key style trends, while the winners of the 28th Ceramics of Italy Journalism Award were celebrated, including Leopoldo Villardi, managing editor of Architectural Record, who received an honorable mention for North America for his coverage of Cersaie 2024 and the Italian ceramic industry.
A celebration of the 2025 Ceramics of Italy Tile Competition winners from North America was also held, moderated by journalist Donatella Bollani. Honorees presented their award-winning residential and commercial projects, followed by a lively discussion with juror and architect Steve Clem, principal at TVS, architect Alfonso Femia, founder of Atelier(s) Alfonso Femia and Filippo Manuzzi, president of Promotional Activities and Trade Fairs at Confindustria Ceramica.
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