Recently, I had the opportunity to be part of a Québec delegation of 48 architects and designers on a very special tour in Italy. Organized by Centura, a major ceramics supplier, the trip took us to Bologna, where we visited showrooms and ceramic manufacturing facilities. The itinerary included Florim, Ariostea, Mirage, and Coem.

Natural stone and sustainable development

I was particularly impressed by the faithful reproduction of natural stone in large-format slabs, resulting in ceramic surfaces of striking beauty. The resemblance to natural stone is remarkable—both in texture and pattern. This ability to capture the richness and authenticity of natural materials is truly impressive.

The idea of reproducing marble and stone using environmentally responsible materials emerged several years ago, driven by the intuition that there was technological potential to industrially replicate processes similar to those carried out by nature over geological eras. By transforming primary elements—water, earth, and fire—it is now possible to create materials that replace quarried natural stone. This ecological and innovative approach deeply impressed me and reinforced my confidence in specifying large-format ceramic slabs for our projects.

Porcelain as a design element

During the visit, I also made a surprising discovery: furniture and lighting fixtures made entirely of porcelain. Truly unique, these pieces showcase the innovation and creativity of the manufacturers. Porcelain furniture—both elegant and functional—offers a harmonious balance between design and durability.

Porcelain lighting fixtures, for their part, emit a subtle and delicate light, creating a calming atmosphere within spaces. This discovery opened my eyes to the vast possibilities porcelain offers in interior design and convinced me of its potential to add elegance and sophistication to our projects.

Now better equipped to recommend and specify porcelain products—whether large-format ceramic slabs, furniture, or lighting—these solutions will undoubtedly become part of the options we offer our clients to achieve aesthetic, high-end, and durable results.

Large-format slabs

The visit was particularly instructive with regard to handling large-format slabs. By closely observing precise cutting techniques and advanced installation methods used to ensure flawless results, we gained a deeper understanding of the technical challenges involved in specifying and installing these products.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Centura for making this visit possible. This enriching experience broadened my knowledge of ceramic and porcelain finishes. The entire STGM Architecture and Design team will now be able to apply these newly acquired insights and put them to use for our clients—further elevating the quality of our projects.I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Centura for making this visit possible. This enriching experience broadened my knowledge of ceramic and porcelain finishes. The entire STGM Architecture and Design team will now be able to apply these newly acquired insights and put them to use for our clients—further elevating the quality of our projects.