The winning proposal for the Ceramics of Italy Competition is a recognizable, functional and versatile space, achieved by using the design elements organically and making them part of a clear, cohesive architectural thought. The project marries archetypal spatial preoccupations with modern technologies and computational design.
The 3,000 square feet rectangular trade show pavilion comprises a café, information and reception desks and storage spaces. Lifted at the opposite corners are two seating areas, reminiscent of Italian piazzas. These are progressively transformed into information and reception desks. Layering of the platform into gradual steps allowed the architects at e+i Studio to extensively showcase the Italian tile palette through variations in color. The gridshell wood structure supporting tile mounds creates service areas below, leaving the space between the slopes for gatherings and dining.
Piazza Ceramica can be recreated in many different configurations. The structure, manufactured with CNC and water jet technologies, consists in producing one module and its mirror counterpart, which can be combined and reused in multiple assemblies.

[excerpt from eVolo review]
Full review: http://www.evolo.us/architecture/piazza-ceramica-ei-studio/

LINKS:
e+i studio website: www.eiStudio.net
Audio interview: http://www.floordaily.net/Flooring-Interviews/EI_Studio_Discusses_Concept_Behind_Italian_Tile_A.aspx

Other links:
Tile News: http://www.italytile.com/tilenews/Tile%20News_Winter2011_2012.pdf
Cer Magazine: http://content.yudu.com/Library/A1w7sk/CerMagazineInternati/resources/index.htm?referrerUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fcontent.yudu.com%2FLibrary%2FA1w7sk%2FCerMagazineInternati%2Fresources%2Fflipbook.swf
Quarto Elemento: http://www.quartoelemento.tv/2012/04/ceramics-of-italy-porta-la-nuova-piazza-ceramica-a-coverings-2012/
Floor Covering news: http://www.fcnews.net/2011/11/new-york-based-design-firm-wins-ceramics-of-italy-design-challenge/