A conference exploring the essence of new Italian design in the field of ceramic tiles as an element capable of spurring the creativity of young designers who are making increasing use of its considerable aesthetic potential to develop solutions with strong visual impact.

“Beautiful Minds. Design at Cersaie” is the title of the event to be held during Cersaie 2008 on Thursday 2 October at 11.00 a.m. in Sala Italia in the Palazzo dei Congressi which will highlight the close relationship between ceramic tiles and the world of architecture. The guests of honour are the new specifiers, the professionals who are pioneering an innovative way of designing objects, architectures and living spaces.

This is the “Erasmus generation” of young, curious and internationally-oriented designers and architects who are open to new trends and styles as well as materials of the past and future. Without losing sight of local traditions and their own identities, they explore trends in international markets sensitive to aspects of marketing and communication.

The meeting with young designers will begin with the welcome address given by Chairman of Confindustria Ceramica Alfonso Panzani and Chairman of ADI (Italian Design Association) Luisa Bocchietto, followed by talks given by Aldo Colonetti, coordinator of the initiative, and architect Beppe Finessi, a design historian and theoretician and a lecturer in Design at Milan Polytechnic. Next to take the floor will be the young architects and designers themselves – Lorenzo Damiani, Odoardo Fioravanti, Diego Grandi, Giulio Iacchetti and Paolo Ulian – who through a presentation of their works will express their design vision and the distinctive character of their projects carried out with ceramic tiles.

Questioned on specific themes by architect Beppe Finessi, the designers will discuss the prospects of Italian architecture and design in relation to ceramic tiles, one of the mainstays of the Italian manufacturing tradition. Their goal will be to promote a dialogue that is constructive, entertaining and at the same time culturally challenging.  

“Beautiful Minds. Design at Cersaie” is a key event within the cultural programme of Cersaie, the sector’s most important exhibition where innovation, technologies, materials and design culture merge synergically as pivotal elements for the development of this major area of Italian production. Bologna, the city that has always hosted the International Exhibition of Ceramic Tiles and Bathroom Furniture, is increasingly becoming a venue for dialogue and proposals in which new talents and expressive research focus on Italian products, with particular reference to the ceramic sector. Based on an original idea by Confindustria Ceramica, the event is organised by Edi.Cer. Spa and sponsored by the Italian Design Association.