Submissions open for twenty fourth version of Tile of Spain Awards

New give attention to 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 Producers’ Affiliation (ASCER), purpose to advertise the revolutionary 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, offered 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 significant structural replace, each skilled classes have been cut up into two subgroups based mostly on the fabric sort used. Initiatives that includes dry-pressed porcelain tiles can be judged individually from these utilizing supplies comparable to extruded stoneware, wall tiles, terracotta, and mosaics.

This transfer expands the whole variety of awards from two to 4, with €8,000 in prize cash allotted for every successful venture throughout the 4 subcategories: A-a, A-b, I-a, and I-b. A separate €3,000 prize can be awarded to one of the best submission from structure college students within the Remaining Diploma Undertaking 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 numerous sectors, together with hospitality, company, and residential growth.

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 principle, 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. Successful tasks are anticipated to be introduced shortly after.

Ceramics have lengthy performed a distinguished function 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 growth 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 information from Mordor Intelligence, the Center East ceramic tiles market is predicted to develop at a compound annual charge of 6.2% by 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 higher native content material in public works, there’s a rising demand for artistic functions of conventional supplies in trendy contexts. Spanish ceramic tiles, famend for his or her distinctive high quality and flexibility, stay a distinguished characteristic in regional tasks—from high-end villas in Dubai to hospitality complexes in Riyadh.

Based on the UAE’s Ministry of Economic 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 usually are not tied to business outcomes, trade observers say recognition within the programme usually 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 venture submissions has positioned the programme as a showcase of up to date design apply past Europe. The give attention to 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,” stated a Dubai-based architect who beforehand submitted to the awards and requested to not be named. “Programmes like this are a method to be taught from others whereas placing our regional id on the map.”

Organisers say the adjustments launched on this yr’s version purpose to higher replicate the complexity and flexibility of ceramics in design at present. 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 data: [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 about 95% of Spain’s whole 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 types a dynamic industrial cluster. The sector is famend for its sturdy give attention to 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 distinguished characteristic in regional tasks—from high-end villas in Dubai to hospitality complexes in Riyadh. Credit score: Exagres