Milan Design Week 2024: Ten Highly Anticipated Highlights
Events and presentations that we can’t wait to experience
Once again, the international design community and those seeking immense inspiration will assemble for Milan Design Week. Between Salone del Mobile (the marquee event held in the Fiera Milano fairgrounds) and Fuorisalone (the thousands of activations held across the city), we’re certain that once again we will be immersed in the future of design. From historic brands to emerging talent, between collective and monographic events, here are ten design experiences we await with greater anticipation.
“Morphologica” by Misha Kahn for Meritalia
American designer and sculptor Misha Kahn uses assembly as a form of expression between art and design—as he imagines eye-catching furniture and lighting objects. Kahn works mainly with design galleries and, for the first time, has embarked upon a partnership with a design brand, Meritalia. It’s an apt match that’s to continue a dialogue started by his predecessors, including the great Gaetano Pesce. This will be visible at Salone del Mobile, in Hall 24 at Booth M10-M12.
Seletti Market at La Rinascente
For Milan Design Week, Seletti will occupy a central space in The Design Supermarket at La Rinascente department store. The irreverent Italian brand will recreate a ’50s American supermarket with a cash register, carts, shopping bags and more. For the occasion, “Love Hurts You,” a domestic sculpture designed by internationally acclaimed digital artist Gianpiero D’Alessandro, will also be presented. As usual, Seletti will also animate the Design Pride, which is set to be held on Wednesday, 17 April and will conclude with a party at the Arco della Pace.
Baranzate Ateliers
Hosted for the second time in Milan, Baranzate Ateliers features a selection of 35 studios, with 15 guests chosen specifically by Belgian artist Lionel Jadot and Zaventem Ateliers. Spanning across 7,300 square meters, the exhibition space is set inside a monumental industrial site from the ’50s and includes Belgium is Design and the work of Millim Studio, Studio Khachatryan, Diederik Schneemann and many more. The location is closer to Linate Airport than the city center, aligning with a suite of must-see peripheral events, such as Alcova, Fabbrica Bini and Fondazione ICA.
“Mooring by the Moon” by Michele de Lucchi + ADML Circle for Azimut
Designed by Alberto Mancini, and Matteo Thun and Antonio Rodriguez, the “motoryachts” of the Seadeck Series by Azimut invoke efforts at sustainability. The engines of these luxuriant vehicles are hybrid and allow a 40% reduction of emissions, and the hull and furniture make substantial use of sustainable and recycled materials. One of the Seadeck boats will float in the pool of the Bagni Misteriose, next to a gigantic moon. The installation is executed by Michele de Lucchi + ADML Circle for Azimut and intends to connect visitors to the sea while in the city center.
Installations and cultural programs at Salone del Mobile
This year, a series of extraordinary installations will punctuate the pavilions at Salone del Mobile. “Interiors by David Lynch. A Thinking Room,” curated by Antonio Monda, is rooted in the fact that the American director loves design and makes furniture himself. In a large, round space defined by red velvet curtains, visitors will experience two twin rooms full of surprises. With “Under the Surface” by Accurat, Design Group Italia and Emiliano Ponzi, visitors will learn more about water through data and storytelling. Also Formafantasma will take part of the cultural events at Salone, thanks to the Drafting Futures Arena, as well as the Mobile Library and the Corraini Bookshop.
“Porno Chic. A far l’amore comincia tu” by Maria Vittoria Paggini
Sometimes design takes itself too seriously. That’s not the case with “Porno Chic. A far l’amore comincia tu,” an interior design project by Maria Vittoria Paggini in the heart of 5Vie District at Casa Ornella (Via Conca del Naviglio, 10). Paggini invites attendees to rediscover the home as a sanctuary, and a destination for intimacy and joyfulness, thanks to lively colors, unconventional decorations, opulent art and a lot of smiling.
“The Pattern of Dreams” by Numen/For Use for Porsche
Porsche returns to Milan Design Week with “The Pattern of Dreams,” the fifth iteration of their traveling art and design initiative, “The Art of Dreams,” at Palazzo Clerici. Numen/For Use will demonstrate their expertise in set and spatial design through an intricate interweaving of wires, which will serve as the basis for a range of performances. This will encourage reflections on rhythm, repetition and movement—starting with the Pepita pattern, used for the first time in the interiors of the mythical Porsche 356 C and 911 models. In addition, a limited furniture collection by Vitra for Porsche, will also be unveiled.
“Time Traveler” curated by Nina Yashar at Nilufar
Acclaimed design gallery Nilufar will use its locations in Viale Lancetti and Via della Spiga to unveil a synthesis of the past and future of design under the title “Time Traveler.” Founder and curator Nina Yashar is known worldwide for her distinct taste, and the ability to make everything she touches feel timeless, no matter if that’s something from the ’50s or a brand new commission. Among the most anticipated items there will be those made by Gupica and Draga & Aurel.
“This future is currently unavailable” at Isola Design District
Driven by the phrase “this future is currently unavailable,” Isola Design District has now reached its eighth edition, confirming itself as the reference point for research and collectible design. Strengthened by experiences at Tanween in Saudi Arabia and at Dubai Design Week, this year Isola will bring infuse destinations through the exhibitions “Routes to Roots” and “Anatolia.” The district will also showcase Lampo Milano, a new urban redevelopment project that extends over 40,000 square meters within the historic Farini railway yard. Between coworking, cultural events, workshops and pop-up galleries, it will host the exhibitions “Is One Life Enough?” and “Isola Design Gallery,” both dedicated to collectible design.
“Making Sense of Color” by Ivy Ross and Chromasonic for Google
In recent years Google has continued to inspire us with installations that know how to surprise and encourage thought. With “Making Sense of Color” at Garage 21, vice president of hardware design, Ivy Ross, and the Google team partneredwith the Chromasonic collective to probe the deep link between color and all the senses, from sight to taste, smell and touch.