11 Tile of Spain exhibitors complement a discussion on the use of ceramic tiles in architecture and interior design, featuring Odami’s Aránzazu González Bernardo and Office OU’s Nicolas Koff.
From large yet exceptionally slim panels and ventilated facades to heated floors and emerging self-cleaning technologies, the evolving world of Spanish ceramics presents new opportunities for aesthetic evolution and environmental leadership. A global leader in both design and technology, the Spanish ceramic sector harnesses sustainable, recyclable and naturally sourced ceramics to break new ground in architecture and interior design. United under the Tile of Spain banner, 11 of the country’s leading producers are coming together for an exhibition showcasing the breadth, versatility and sustainability of Spanish tile — as well as the growing presence of Tile of Spain products across the North American market.
Taking place at the University of Toronto’s Hart House on November 8, the free exhibition will be complemented by a talk exploring the design possibilities offered by the Tile of Spain portfolio and the emergence of a Spanish-Canadian design culture. Moderated by Azure senior editor Stefan Novakovic, the talk will feature two of the country’s most acclaimed emerging designers, Aránzazu González Bernardo and Nicolas Koff, who will share their insights about Spanish ceramics and Spanish-Canadian design culture.
Educated at the at the Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura in La Coruña, Spanish architect and Odami co-founder Aránzazu (Arancha) González Bernardo leads one of North America’s most acclaimed emerging studios. Established by González Bernardo and Michael Fohring in 2017, Odami is celebrated for its distinct merging of Spanish and Canadian design sensibilities, creating elegant yet culturally rich work elevated by a passion for materiality and craft. Selected as one of AN Interior’s Top 50 Architects and Designers of 2023 and lauded as Designlines Designer of the Year in 2022, the studio has quickly emerged as a leading North American design practice, thanks to projects such as the Aesop stores in Toronto’s Yorkville neighbourhood and Palisades Village in Los Angeles. Odami’s award-winning residential interiors also make prominent use of ceramics, with the firm’s Beaches House showcasing rigorous aesthetic unity — and a distinctly Spanish sense of texture — in its eye-catching bathroom.
A co-founder of Toronto-based architecture practice Office OU, University of Pennsylvania alumnus Nicolas Koff leverages a background in architecture, landscape architecture and regional planning to lead one of Canada’s most exciting emerging practices. The firm’s diverse portfolio ranges from co-housing to artist studios across Ontario, while also encompassing educational facilities in the Czech Republic, and a recently completed landmark, the National Children’s Museum of Korea. Clad entirely in Spanish ceramics, the latter cultural complex is defined by its terracotta facades, which were designed as uneven triangular extrusions that would only be glazed on one side, creating an alternatingly soft or vivid look as one walks around the building.
Alongside the panel discussion, the event will also explore the evolution of the Spanish ceramic industry, and the themes — including environmental stewardship, respect for labour rights, attention to detail, investment in innovation, tradition and cultural heritage — that define the brands united under the Tile of Spain banner.
Today, Tile of Spain is used by more than 100 companies as a seal of guarantee of a product made in Spain manufactured under the highest quality standards. On November 8, Tile of Spain will be represented by an exhibition featuring 11 companies: ADEX USA, Azteca, Cevica, Decocer, Estudio Cerámico, Natucer, Peronda Group, Porcelanosa, STN Cerámica, TAU, Vives Cerámica.
Tile, Trends & Tapas takes place at Hart House on November 8. Registration for the free event is open now!