Ceramic tiles as an urban narrative: from Rimini to Barcelona

(March 2026) – As part of the Press Cafés held during Cersaie 2025, Elle Decor Italia editor-in-chief Livia Peraldo Matton and Italian architect Benedetta Tagliabue discussed the theme “Living the transformation. Shaping the future of living through creative influences, a sustainable approach and technological development”.

During the conversation, the architect discussed several of her projects, most notably Il Parco del Mare (“The Sea Park”) in Rimini. Completed in 2024, this project makes extensive use of ceramic tiles along a route connecting the sea, the city and nature in a successful example of integration. This 16 km stretch of regenerated coastline promotes soft mobility, featuring cycle paths, natural furnishings and play and sports areas in keeping with a new vision for a seaside town. The 8.5 km “ceramic trail” is divided into a number of sections, each devoted to a specific theme expressed through tiles with gradually shifting colours. These themes pay tribute to the city’s heritage, transforming the tiles into narrative elements covering Roman Rimini, the Belle Époque, the discotheque era and the natural landscape.

To conclude the discussion, Benedetta Tagliabue presented another project involving Italian ceramic tiles, this time used in an original and compelling way for the renovation of a private residence in Barcelona called Casa Lorca.

Watch the video of the Elle Decor Italia Press Café at Cersaie 2025.