Trends, culture, training, networking. All on a single stage: Cersaie. The International Exhibition of Ceramic Tiles and Bathroom Furnishings is gearing up for a new edition, scheduled to take place from 21 to 25 September in Bologna. The event continues with its well-established and successful format: on the one hand, the exhibition area showcasing new products and innovations; on the other, a major cultural programme exploring the sector’s transformations, this year centred on the theme ‘Building, Living, Thinking’. Against this backdrop, there is great anticipation for the keynote lecture to be delivered by the Chilean architect Alejandro Aravena.
Alejandro Aravena
Founder of Alejandro Aravena Architects and director of ELEMENTAL, he has received a number of international accolades: winner of the Silver Lion at the Venice Biennale in 2008, an International Honorary Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects, a member of the Council of the Cities Programme at the London School of Economics, winner of the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2016, and director/curator of the 15th Venice Architecture Biennale. This recognition is due to his approach to design, which is characterised by the development of projects of public interest and social impact. Among his most notable works is the Quinta Monroy Housing project in Iquique, Chile, the first of his renowned low-cost housing developments; his practice subsequently played a key role in the reconstruction of the city of Constitución following the devastating earthquake and tsunami; through Elemental, he has led major social housing projects in Yungay, Rancagua and Santiago, and in recent years the practice has been at the forefront of addressing housing crises caused by climate change, developing rapid reconstruction plans using modular prefabricated buildings, as in the case of the Viña del Mar forest fires in 2024, and finally showcasing pioneering sustainable projects at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale, centred on the use of net-zero-emission concrete (Net-Zero Biochar Concrete).
Petra by Artesi
Miniature Aroma by Ceramiche Marca Corona
Alejandro Aravena fits perfectly into the vision of Cersaie 2026, encapsulated in the manifesto “A space for architectural design”, which interprets architecture as a space for connection – open, inclusive and constantly evolving. As for industry trends, the event showcases an ecosystem of materials, surfaces and solutions for architecture and interior design that supports the evolution of living. The concept of the bathroom continues to be linked to the idea of a private “spa” where personal wellbeing can be nurtured, with a focus on natural, eco-sustainable materials capable of conveying comfort and relaxation. In terms of surfaces, new techniques are being explored that play with three-dimensionality and textures, enhancing the sensory experience. Colour is making a strong comeback, adding character and a personal touch to the space.
