A glimpse into the future of ceramics

Curated by Davide Vercelli and designed by Dario Curatolo, the Route 40 exhibition can be explored in a number of ways, all centred around the idea of a timeline. The concept of architectural space has changed enormously over the last 40 years. Aesthetic and colour trends have come and gone and constant technological innovations has dramatically transformed ceramic surfaces, allowing them to be adopted successfully in many different areas of application. The aim of the exhibition is to look back at all of this, not with nostalgia but with a sense of admiration at the sheer number and scale of the innovations achieved over these forty years.

While the exhibition is clearly focused on the past, it also offers an insight into the future of the Italian ceramic industry, especially the final station located in Mall 37. Based on the intrinsic characteristics of ceramic surfaces, the exhibition serves as the starting point for at least three different areas of exploration. The first is the concept of “total look” and a focus on furnishing accessories such as shelves, cupboard doors, bathroom and kitchen countertops and interior door panelling. The second explores major infrastructure projects such as the new tunnel in the mountain section of the Bologna-Florence motorway, an intervention in which ease of cleaning and durability were key factors behind the choice of materials. The third is the use of ceramic tiles and sanitaryware in spaces outside of a real estate context, such as large transatlantic cruisers, an application where these products are particularly suitable due to their low thickness and excellent resistance to chemical and atmospheric agents.

Italian ceramics is setting off on a fascinating journey with many possible and as yet unknown final destinations. But as on any self-respecting sea or road trip, there are bound to be many surprises in store.

July 2023