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Advertising supplement provided by the Italian Trade Commission

Continuing Education Use the following learning objectives to focus your study while reading this month’s ARCHITECTURAL RECORD / AIA Continuing Education article. Learning Objective: After reading this article, you will be able to: 1. Have a better perspective on the international response to the issue of sustainability. 2. Understand the degree of commitment of Italian tile manufacturers to the green building movement. 3. Evaluate ceramic tile in terms of durability, stain resistance, etc.

TAs part of their activities to promote the knowledge and use of Italian ceramic tiles, the Italian Trade Commission and Assopiastrelle, the Association of Italian Tile Manufacturers, have started a communication campaign aimed at introducing the new characteristics of Italian ceramic tiles, especially with reference to the subject of “sustainability.”

The popularity of “green” building has been gaining momentum because of a groundswell of architectural awareness, a deep commitment by vocal members of our profession and widespread acceptance of the perceived virtues of sustainable building.

In late March 2004, the Italian tile industry kicked off a major international campaign it is hoping will push the eco-awareness of the design community even further and address other social and safety issues.

 

Paul L. Cejas School, Miami, FL Bernard Tschumi Architects

The intent of S_tiles (www.S-tiles.it), the Italian tile industry’s new website, unveiled at Coverings 2004 in Orlando, is to tighten the ties of the industry to the international sustainable building movement. It is also a lengthy and detailed, in-your-face, consciousness-raising manifesto.