Recently, the International Design Trends 2023-2024 was successfully held at Business Conference room, 5F, China Ceramics City! It was hosted by China Ceramics City and the 38th CeramBath Fair, co-organized by Italian Design Association, Arch17.com and China-Australia Chamber of Commerce-South China and supported by ICC Ceramics (Interceramic in China).

01 

ICC Ceramics Humberto: 

Systematic Forecast of Macro and Color Trends, Comprehensive Interpretation of Eight Major Product Trends!

At the event site, Mr. Humberto Valles, the general manager of ICC Ceramics, delivered the "International Ceramic Product Trends 2023-2024" keynote speech professionally, systematically, comprehensively and in depth. With the discovery of Cersaie Fair 2022 in Bologna, Italy, Mr. Humberto made an outlook and forecast of the 2023 ceramic development trend from the aspects of world macro level, color and product.

Mr. Humberto summarized the international design trend as the following points.

(1) Slates will continue to be popular and in play because of their high-end look, but companies understand that smaller sizes sell the most (90x180, 75x150, 80x160 and 60x120). At the high end of the pyramid, it is difficult for one side to survive alone without the other.

(2) Humberto: This is a color trend we have observed, which we have shared and verified with many agencies. The color mentioned here is not only influenced by the decoration industry, it may also come from other industries.

The above are just some representative colors. Color trends and product trends are interconnected. They can help us understand the logic behind the trends.

(3) The COVID-19 pandemic and the era of global economic challenges play an important role in integrating the industry to adapt to new demands, optimizing systems and plants with the lowest efficiency and favoring plants that focus on innovation, design and efficient manufacturing.

(4) Sustainability is the most important word in the industry. The high cost of fuel and energy has led companies to focus on better and more efficient use of fuel, energy conservation and reuse, material recycling. High-end product manufacturing has made it possible to produce larger format products as a priority option for higher profits.

(5) A very important thing is how the product is finished, using digital inkjet glue and advanced particles to create a 3D structure with a random and more natural look. Digital molds are superior to pressed molds and more digital effects are used.

(6) Matte and soft tactile textured products are preferred over polished products because the audience can see all the technological advances more clearly in product manufacturing and design.

02

Jacopo Reale: The Integration and Symbiosis of Architectural Design and Sustainable Concept

Mr. Jacopo Reale, Head of Architecture of Pininfarina (Shanghai), delivered a keynote speech on "Wellness as a Core Priority across Home and Lifestyle".

Mr. Jacopo shared the design philosophy that Pininfarina has always had: insisting on elegant design, on product innovation and on modernity through several cases. He also expressed that in order to achieve this goal, it is necessary to focus on the interaction between design and nature and the development of sustainability.

Case Sharing: CYRELA Project

The Cyrela project is a high-rise residential project with a very classic design that conveys a sense of movement to the facade through its smooth lines and modern airy sculptural forms. In order to enable a connection with nature, Pininfarina has also incorporated details such as air quality, water quality and indoor temperature into the design.

The scene consists of different visual levels of light, greenery on the retreats and fresh air that can enhance the well-being and health of the residents as a whole, as well as the quality of life.

Case Sharing: ALDEA UHMAY Project

Located just outside the vibrant cultural center of Tulum, Mexico, in the artisan town of Francisco Uh May, the Aldea Uh May community emerged as a new paradigm of conscious living from the heart of the jungle.

Pininfarina oversaw and participated in the artistic direction of the master plan for this 20-hectare development, designing a proprietary network of transit sidewalks and mobility, as well as a variety of health-oriented amenities and public space clusters to support the community's 127 multi-family and single-family residential lots.

Pininfarina designed this project with increased plant coverage to create a diverse environment where people can interact and share in a communal place with physical and mental pleasure, while better understanding and getting closer to nature, thus embodying a sense of comfort and sustainability.

03

Damon Frank Giannoccaro: Designers should look to nature and find sustainable solutions

 Mr. Damon Frank Giannoccaro, founder of Giannoccaro Italian Design and Creative Agency, delivered a keynote speech on "Building Green in 2023".

In his presentation, Damon discussed the importance of sustainability and environmental-friendly practices in architectural design, as well as highlighting the use of green building materials and sustainable design thinking. He encouraged designers to draw inspiration from nature and said, "Nature is the ultimate designer. If we are looking for sustainable solutions, we should first focus on nature."

What is "green building"? 

As designers, green building is closely related to our work, and we need to focus on how to be truly sustainable in our own practice and materials. We can improve sustainability from the initial design concept and design philosophy. In the past, designers may have just passively done what their clients told them to do, without actively suggesting them to better incorporate the idea of sustainability.

I now call on designers to advise them to incorporate more sustainability considerations, more environmental and ecological considerations in the first step, in the briefing phase of a design project, in the communication phase with the client. Of course, this is just the beginning, and it is important that we are able to give our clients an effective solution, keep integrating our ideas with sustainability at every step of the way, and keep verifying that sustainability is being practiced.

Ceramics and Green Building Materials

The use of ceramics in green building is just one example of how design agencies and material suppliers can collaborate to create innovative solutions that are both sustainable and practical.

As designers, it is our responsibility to create sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions that will stand the test of time. Using ceramics in green building is just one way we can achieve this goal.