Saturday, April 23, 2011

Report Milano 1 - An Urban Fair

     
What's amazing about the Salone del Mobile in Milan is not just the fair itself, but the fact that the whole city is celebrating design. Showrooms put on special setup, hidden estates open their doors for temporary exhibitions, pavilions and installations are placed in public spaces all around the city, and little design retail boxes pop up here and there on the street. There are also different kinds of lectures, talks, and cocktail parties. Browsing through the events list, you will find yourself having a hard time deciding where to go.

Map of Events in Milan during the Salone
Driade showroom featuring the Nemo chair by Fabio Novembre
"UFO" and "EvoMobil" by Ora-ïto for Citroën at Montenapoleone
"My Design" by Michael Young for Trussardi at Piazza della Scala
"Nothing Less" exhibition at the Santa Maria Incoronata Library
Pop-up store near Triennale di Milano
"Public Design Festival" on the Cavalcavia Bussa

At of heart of old Milan, a "molecular" structure emerged in front of the Duomo. It houses the "Principia" exhibition which celebrates the mutual-inspirations of art and science.

Some art needs to be seen through a microscope
3D printed sculpture?
A robot arm that draws

Zona Tortona is probably the most well-known design district in Milan. Many brands and organizations have set up their events here, including a temporary museum for design, Domus Space, Tom Dixon, etc. Countries like Portugal and Denmark also have their showrooms here.

Via Tortona packed with people at night
People traffic at the bridge leading to Zona Tortona
Domus Space
Discussion at Domus Space
"Dip in Space" by students at Head-Genève
"Portugal Brands" in Zona Tortona
"Forest of Evolution" by Naohiko Mitsui to display Lumiotec's OLED panels

Different from the post-industrial character of Zona Tortona, the design district of Brera has more of an old city feel. The famous Pinacoteca di Brera holds a show on young Belgian designers.

Spazio Pontaccio in Brera
Candelabra HO by Ora-ïto
Pinacoteca di Brera
Buzzihood is a mobile phone booth by Belgian designer Alain Gilles.
"Night Night" hourglass lamp by Vanessa Hordies

Triennale Museum is another important venue for design. It opens until 10pm every day specially during the Salone. Name brands like Bisazza, Olivari, Kristalia, MINI, 3M have organized exhibitions inside. In the garden, Camprisoda sets up tables and "capsules" for seating, and gives out free drinks after 7pm.

Kristalia at Triennale Design Museum
3M showcases a large LED hoop that changes colors of infinite tones.
Garden of Triennale Design Museum with Camparisoda "Talent Capsules"
Free drinks: Camparisoda. The bottle becomes the holder of the glass.
   

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