Volume 5. Issue 10. October 2011 Rs. 25/-
THE
INSIDE TRACK CONNECTING THE DESIGN COMMUNITY Now view our web edition at www.theinsidetrack.in
Cover Story
W
hile there were about a hundred thousand visitors from all over the globe that made a bee-line to Cersaie in Bologna, Italy, the event this year was so much more than the world’s largest ceramic and bathroom trade fair. In store for visitors was not just a ‘touch and feel’ of some of the most innovative products from the ceramic and bathroom space internationally, but also a smorgasbord of design
activities that were organised concurrent to this mega show. Centred on the theme of ‘Building, Dwelling, Thinking,’ there was a 4-day parallel symposia that brought some of the world’s most progressive design thinkers to Bologna. There was Giorgio Bianchi who took design aficionados on a journey through New York, exploring the city through the various projects carried out by the Renzo Piano Building Workshop, in particular the new headquarters of the New York Times and the Morgan Library. Patricia Urquiola regaled with a quick-fire presentation that
Ceramic Meets Design At Cersaie Cersaie 2011, the world’s largest event for the ceramic and bathroom furnishing trade, was also a meeting point for progressive design thinkers from the world over. lasted for more than 90 minutes taking the audience on a whirlwind journey. From working with carpet manufacturers in India, to designing a 4-star hotel project in the Caribbean, Patricia Urquiola was at her insightful best, shining a spotlight on her various endeavours and allowing the viewers a peak into the inner workings of her mind. Another interesting meet was a presentation by five architects aimed at showcasing sustainabilitybased architectural solutions. The shared characteristic of each of the guest speakers was the quest for a sustainable form of development that prompts an innovative and eco-friendly approach. Bijoy Jain from Mumbai Studio, India, was one of the speakers who made an impassioned speech on his indigenous and ethical approach to building. Believing firmly in
acting local (for materials used and craftsmen engaged), he highlighted the collective role of highly skilled
artisans and craftsman, and the vast contribution they have made to his continued on page 2