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➤ +WONDER Decorative Panel
➤ +WONDER Decorative Panel
Innovating Design Trends: The Harmony of Aesthetics and Chemistry
➤AICA Japan Show Room
In our daily lives, wherever we go, we are surrounded by harmonious colors and fluid lines that animate our surroundings. This seamless interplay infuses the air with an almost intangible sense of vitality and innovation, naturally uplifting our spirits. Everywhere we look, decorative surface materials with unique attributes imbue architectural spaces—both inside and out—with soul and character. Through their varied textures and finishes, these panels transform mundane moments into an exuberant tapestry of aesthetic expression.
➤AICA Japan Headquarter
Yet often, the environments we traverse in our everyday routines are mere fragments of ordinary life. Occasionally, however, a particular space prompts us to pause in awe. Walking through the Tainan Chimei Museum, working alone in a café, or visiting a new pop-up store in a department store, have you ever wondered about the philosophy behind those captivating wall panels that make the space so pleasing to the eye? What we take for granted may well be the culmination of artisans meticulously honing life’s details—quietly weaving their technical expertise and creative vision into each surface. Taiwan AICA (愛克工業) embodies this dedication, merging scientific innovation with design to infuse modern living with color and functionality. By continually monitoring contemporary design trends, AICA has pioneered a comprehensive range of decorative boards for the Asian market, proposing fresh ways to shape spatial experiences.
Breaking Boundaries: Continuously Pushing Innovation
“Chemistry Beautifying Life” is the key phrase that guides AICA. While many objects exude beauty, they are not merely emotional in nature; they also involve rational, scientific dimensions. As a leading Japanese brand in decorative panels, AICA’s fine-textured materials frequently appear in high-traffic environments such as metro stations, airports, and restaurants, enriching the space’s visual depth and meeting functional requirements in a subtle yet transformative way. In reality, AICA originated in the chemical product sector, initially producing adhesives. Refusing to remain static, the company asked itself how best to leverage its strengths to address everyday needs. During Japan’s economic boom, AICA recognized new possibilities in construction materials and aspired to become an all-encompassing “guardian” of spatial solutions. The decision to integrate chemical expertise with design soon followed, propelling the development of decorative surfaces that reflect AICA’s unwavering pursuit of technical excellence and refined aesthetics.
Even after venturing into various fields, AICA remains deeply committed to its chemical roots, adapting to market shifts and environmental concerns through continuous research and development. Today, AICA Board stands as the brand’s signature achievement, transcending the constraints of conventional laminate panels. Apart from being fire-resistant (Class 1), these boards can instantly elevate living or commercial spaces with their delicate textures, while also providing advanced functionalities such as odor elimination and antiviral properties. Over three decades of ongoing trial and error have culminated in versatile, next-generation surfaces that embody the brand’s desire for progress and transformation.
Uncovering New Opportunities in Taiwan: Embracing Diversity and Inclusion
“From my previous overseas assignments, I noticed that compared to other markets, Japanese products enjoy a particularly high market share in Taiwan,” observes Mr. Masanori Horibe, Assistant General Manager at Taiwan AICA. Beyond technological progress, AICA is adept at identifying emerging trends, recognizing that decorative panel products have substantial appeal in Taiwan. Coupled with the local preference for glass-like finishes in kitchen backsplashes, AICA saw an opportunity to introduce its top-rated Japanese decorative, fire-resistant boards to Taiwan. Marrying design flair with practical convenience, these panels have shown strong potential to resonate with Taiwanese consumers.
➤ Wall: Cerarl Cellent CFN 10304ZD
➤ Wall: Cerarl Cellent CFN 10241ZD
➤ Wall: Cerarl Cellent CFN 10304ZD
However, AICA’s early foray into the Taiwanese market was not without hurdles. Price competition with local brands was one challenge, while cultural differences presented another. For instance, brighter woodgrain finishes, popular in Japan, did not initially gain the same traction in Taiwan. Undeterred, AICA hosts annual architectural seminars and participates in design expos both at home and abroad, continuously tracking global and local aesthetic shifts. Based on these market insights, the company expanded its offerings to include stone patterns, abstract motifs, and a broader palette of colors, blending these with its hallmark technical expertise and design philosophy. Looking ahead, AICA plans to roll out coordinated color collections and matte-finish product lines in the coming year, weaving local design elements into a broader tapestry of creative possibilities.
Though AICA has been cultivating the Taiwanese market for over a decade, it formally established a local subsidiary just two years ago. Recognizing that Taiwan already boasts numerous well-known decorative board manufacturers, the company focuses on respecting local culture and brand identity while enhancing the functional and aesthetic aspects of its panels. This includes offering an integrated range of trim and edging tools that seamlessly coordinate with AICA boards. On the marketing side, AICA’s partnership with Wilsonart Asia Pacific will officially merge in 2024, further boosting brand recognition and aiming to move closer to an “Only One” ideal in Taiwan—an aspiration that underscores the company’s commitment to solidifying its brand image and pioneering design excellence in this vibrant market.
