(ALEXANDRIA, VA—JANUARY 6, 2014) Coverings, the largest international tile and stone exposition and conference, has partnered with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) School of Architecture, to develop a course that will investigate the use of tile as a medium for furniture design. Through a 13-week series of lectures and workshops, students enrolled in “Mediations on Making – Exploring Furniture Design” will learn about the factors involved in designing furniture, opportunities and constraints of tile, design visualization and presentation, construction and installation drawings, and fabrication processes. The course also will include a competition where each student will design a conceptual drawing of a bench using tile and stone as its source material. A jury will select six concepts for students to fabricate and display at Coverings, from April 29—May 2, 2014 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
“This is an excellent opportunity to create a dialogue between students and the tile industry as a working collaboration,” said Jonathon Anderson, course director and assistant professor at the UNLV School of Architecture. “It also will expose our talented students to the many usages of tile, enhance their knowledge of furniture design and fabrication, and gain real-world exposure to the exhibition of prototypes.”
“Mediations on Making – Exploring Furniture Design” is supported by a number of leading manufacturers, which will be providing students with high-quality materials and real-world training. Arizona Tile will be providing tile for the program, Bonsal/Prospec and wedi will supply installation and structural materials, and Alpha Tools and Rubi Tools will provide the necessary tools. The National Tile Contractors Association, as well as Bonsal/Prospec, will provide certified trainers to educate students on the fabrication and application processes.
“The partnership between Coverings and UNLV to develop this unique opportunity for students to partner with leading manufacturers, fabricators and installers in the tile and stone industry, will greatly enhance their knowledge and skillset for their future design careers,” said Karin Fendrich, Coverings show director. “This program also highlights Coverings’ commitment to industry education and expanding the knowledge to emerging talent that tile and stone are surfaces with unbridled design potential.”
The six finalist benches will be displayed on the Coverings show floor for the duration of the exposition and conference for all attendees to enjoy. During the Coverings 25th Anniversary celebration on Wednesday, April 30, attendees will have the opportunity to bid on the benches in a silent auction that will benefit the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation and a charity of UNLV’s choice.
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About Coverings
In 2014, Coverings celebrates its 25th Anniversary as the largest and most important ceramic tile and natural stone trade fair and expo in the United States. It features exhibitors from more than 35 countries and is the stage for introducing some of the most innovative tile and stone products in the world.
The exposition serves as a valuable resource for continuing education for all segments of the industry, with more than 70 informative, accredited seminars and live demonstration sessions throughout the show, all free of charge.
Coverings attracts thousands of distributors, retailers, fabricators, contractors, specifiers, architectural and design professionals, builders and real estate developers, as well as journalists and bloggers who cover this vital and dynamic industry.
Sponsors of the show are The Ceramic Tile Distributors Association (CTDA), Tile of Spain/Spanish Ceramic Tile Manufacturer’s Association (ASCER), Ceramics of Italy/Confindustria Ceramica, National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) and The Tile Council of North America (TCNA). The show is managed by National Trade Productions.
Coverings 2014 will be held April 29—May 2 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. For more information, visit www.coverings.com or contact National Trade Productions, Coverings Show Management, 703-683-8500.
