New deal with ceramic design and architectural practices
The twenty fourth version of the Tile of Spain Awards has formally opened for submissions, that includes a brand new format that highlights a broader spectrum of ceramic design and architectural practices, amid rising curiosity from professionals within the Center East and North Africa (MENA) area.
The annual awards, organised by the Spanish Ceramic Tile Manufacturers’ Association (ASCER), intention to advertise the modern use of Spanish ceramic supplies in structure and inside design.
This yr introduces new subcategories inside each the Structure and Inside Design segments, permitting the jury to recognise extra numerous makes use of of ceramic tile applied sciences and types.
Architects and designers from around the globe—together with a rising quantity from Gulf international locations—are eligible to take part, supplied their tasks incorporate ceramic tiles made by ASCER member corporations. The deadline for submissions is October 20, 2025.
All tasks have to be accomplished works and should use ceramic supplies manufactured by ASCER member corporations.
Wider recognition
In a serious structural replace, each skilled classes have been cut up into two subgroups based mostly on the fabric sort used. Tasks that includes dry-pressed porcelain tiles will likely be judged individually from these utilizing supplies resembling extruded stoneware, wall tiles, terracotta, and mosaics.
This transfer expands the full variety of awards from two to 4, with €8,000 in prize cash allotted for every successful challenge throughout the 4 subcategories: A-a, A-b, I-a, and I-b. A separate €3,000 prize will likely be awarded to the most effective submission from structure college students within the Ultimate Diploma Challenge class (MTP).
Jury oversight
The jury this yr is chaired by Julio Touza Rodríguez, an architect and concrete planner with over 50 years of expertise and greater than 2,700 tasks accomplished globally, together with a number of in Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi. He’s recognised for his experience throughout varied sectors, together with hospitality, company, and residential improvement.
The judging panel additionally contains Martín Lejárraga, a Spanish architect with an curiosity within the expressive potential of ceramic supplies, and Carmen Baselga, an inside designer identified for her work on worldwide tasks, together with a showroom in New York.
Antonio Jesús Luna, editor of ROOM Diseño journal, and Susana Babiloni, president of the Castellón Architects’ Affiliation, spherical out the jury. Their collective experience spans design concept, city planning, and digital publishing, providing a cross-disciplinary perspective on modern makes use of of ceramic supplies.
The judging will happen in November 2025 in Castellón, the hub of Spain’s ceramic tile trade. Profitable tasks are anticipated to be introduced shortly after.
Ceramics have lengthy performed a outstanding position in architectural traditions throughout the MENA area, from Moroccan zellige to Emirati courtyard mosaics. As Gulf states proceed to take a position closely in city improvement and cultural infrastructure, participation in worldwide platforms just like the Tile of Spain Awards might serve to focus on regional innovation whereas aligning with sustainability and heritage-preservation targets.
Based on knowledge from Mordor Intelligence, the Center East ceramic tiles market is predicted to develop at a compound annual charge of 6.2% by means of 2028, pushed by rising demand for premium supplies in each residential and business building.
Regional curiosity
Center East designers have more and more gained recognition in worldwide structure and design competitions, pushed by a surge in cultural establishments, hospitality tasks, and expert-planned developments throughout the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.
With regional governments pushing for better native content material in public works, there’s a rising demand for artistic purposes of conventional supplies in fashionable contexts. Spanish ceramic tiles, famend for his or her distinctive high quality and flexibility, stay a outstanding function in regional tasks—from high-end villas in Dubai to hospitality complexes in Riyadh.
Based on the UAE’s Ministry of Financial system, the nation imported over $163 million price of ceramic merchandise from Spain in 2024, a 7% enhance from the earlier yr. This progress is consistent with the broader demand for high-spec building supplies throughout the Gulf.
Whereas the Tile of Spain Awards aren’t tied to business outcomes, trade observers say recognition within the programme typically results in elevated visibility, new commissions, and collaborations. Winners from previous years have gone on to current their work at worldwide structure biennales and design weeks.
Ceramic futures
Regardless of the awards’ Spanish origins, the inclusion of worldwide jurors and international challenge submissions has positioned the programme as a showcase of up to date design apply past Europe. The deal with material-driven classes might resonate with MENA-based architects who’re exploring ceramics not only for floor aesthetics, however for structural, cultural, and environmental causes.
“Ceramics are a part of our architectural DNA,” mentioned a Dubai-based architect who beforehand submitted to the awards and requested to not be named. “Programmes like this are a approach to be taught from others whereas placing our regional identification on the map.”
Organisers say the adjustments launched on this yr’s version intention to higher replicate the complexity and flexibility of ceramics in design right now. With elevated award classes and heightened curiosity from rising markets, the Tile of Spain Awards may even see broader international engagement, together with from the quickly evolving design scenes of the Center East.
The Regional Ministry of Finance of the Generalitat Valenciana helps the Tile of Spain Awards competitors.
Full submission tips and registration: www.tileofspainawards.com
For extra info: [email protected]
About ASCER
ASCER represents and advocates for the pursuits of its member corporations earlier than public establishments and key decision-makers. Established in 1977, ASCER brings collectively over 100 ceramic tile producers, accounting for roughly 95% of Spain’s complete manufacturing—making it one of many nation’s most influential trade associations.
Headquartered in Castellón de la Plana, ASCER is on the coronary heart of Spain’s ceramic tile trade, which is concentrated on this area and varieties a dynamic industrial cluster. The sector is famend for its sturdy deal with innovation and international attain, with merchandise exported to over 180 international locations.
Hero picture: Spanish ceramic tiles, famend for his or her distinctive high quality and flexibility, stay a outstanding function in regional tasks—from high-end villas in Dubai to hospitality complexes in Riyadh. Credit score: Exagres