This post is brought to you by Ceramics of Italy Tile Competition 

In its 26th year, the Ceramics of Italy Tile Competition challenges architects and designers to create outstanding works through the use of Italian ceramics and porcelain tile. A well known building material, ceramic and tile usage can be found through out architecture's historical timeline. As modern technology and advancement in building materials has progressed the beauty in ceramic and tiles still remains. 

This year architects and designers are invited to submit their projects that utilize Italian ceramic tiles in an aesthetically beautiful, original, and functional way. Past winners of the competition include leading industry names such as  Gensler, Cooper Carry, Renzo Piano Building Workshop, Studio Libeskind, and more. 

Last year's commercial category winner, Studio Libeskind, used 3D geometric-patterned stone tiles to accentuate the building's facade. The residential commission, Sapphire, was built in Berlin, Germany the first residential project for Libeskind in the area. The angular windows and canted walls allowed for the tiles to work with the buildings overall shape and form. In collaboration with Casalgrande Padana, Libeskind's residential commission is merely one example of the many projects to come out of the competition. 

In the three built categories, projects can be domestic or international but must be designed by North America-based architects and designers, built or renovated between January 2014 and January 2019, and feature a significant amount of Italian ceramic or porcelain tile produced by Ceramics of Italy member companies. All styles and scales of projects will be considered – from multi-family housing and hospitality projects to outdoor spaces and façades. The jury’s official criteria includes: overall design of the project; aesthetic and technical quality of tile installation; degree to which the tile enhances the setting; and the project’s sustainable attribute. 

For further competition details, visit tilecompetition.com.  The deadline to enter is February 1, 2019.