i + D - November/December 2020 - 12

Editor's
Letter

Ring in
the New
It's a year the world will never forget-and one most people, regardless of their
profession, are ready to bid adieu. This year put a spotlight on the importance
of space and light, ergonomics and movement, rest and refuge, line-of-sight and
background views, color and comfort, acoustics and technology, air quality,
materials quality, life quality, and so much more. It has made us look at life
and how we live it in a whole new way. And that's not just within the design
community; it's everywhere, for everyone.
Some of those hardest hit throughout the world and within the design sector
have been the small businesses and, particularly, those artisans and craftspeople
who make a living making things by hand. In this issue, we focused our lens
on the creatives whose work adds so much character and quality to a space and
whose passion keeps the vital practice of craft alive. We look at the designers
and firms supporting global artisans and historic craft by helping them connect to
a worldwide audience ( " Global Citizens, " p. 26). And we complement that view
with a hyperlocal look at how design can drive individual neighborhoods to
success, create community, and enhance projects ( " Local Pride, " p. 34). We also
turn a deserving eye to the associations that serve these artists and craftspeople in
good times and bad, and spread the word on the importance of the handmade
( " The Art & Craft of Surviving 2020, " p. 42).
The year ahead holds hope, no matter one's profession. But, in the design world,
that hope is coupled with a mandate to create spaces that remedy some of the issues
this year has emphasized and support the planet and all its people at every level.
Here's to a new year that's bright.

Jennifer Quail
Editor-in-Chief

CONNECTING WITH COVERINGS
In the absence of its in-person annual trade show
this year, Coverings set out to stay connected with
its audience via a virtual series called Coverings
Connected. The quarterly events have brought tile
and stone updates on everything from global trade to
trends in color, pattern, and texture, and on-demand
learning opportunities exist as well. The online events
are scheduled to continue into the new year, and the
next live Coverings will take place July 7-9, 2021 in
Orlando. Get all the details at coverings.com.
Designs based in biophilic principles were a noted
trend in Tile of Spain's November presentation.
Shown here is a design from Peronda.
Ceramica Bardelli hits on the expanding creativity
in play with concrete looks, a style expected to only
gain in popularity, according to Ceramics of Italy.
Subway tile comes of age with elongated takes on
the eternally popular look, like this option from
Spanish tile company Bestile.
Blue-green hues are in the spotlight across all styles.
Italy's Elios Ceramica combines the tropical coloration
with texture and organic geometry.

i+D - November/December 2020

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i + D - November/December 2020

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