MODERNITY AND SUSTAINABILITY: YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO MILAN DESIGN WEEK 2024

Every year, thousands of tourists flock to Milan Design Week for its iconic installations and must-attend events. The centrepiece in Italy’s undisputed design capital is the Salone del Mobile, also known as the Milan International Furniture Fair, a 6-day event which serves as a focal point for the global design industry. The 2024 edition will host over 1,900 exhibitors from all four corners of the world; among them 600 emerging designers under the age of 35 from 22 acclaimed schools.

This year’s Salone has a spotlight on different sectors of the industry including EuroCucina for kitchen design and the Salone Internazionale del Bagno for bathrooms. As highlighted on the event’s website, recurring themes this year revolve around design as a source of wellbeing, self-care and comfort. Read on for all the must-know events at Milan Design Week 2024, painstakingly put together for you by the New Designers team.

KEY EVENTS

Four conferences will take place over the six days with speakers from different areas of the design world. These include Pritzker Architecture Prize laureates, curators, architects and industry experts. Each event delves into the evolving landscape of design, exploring key themes such as sustainability, modernity and ways in which it can help society. Design is evolving to cater to the needs of both current and future generations, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and its broader impact on the community and society.

  • April 17th 2024 – Francis Kéré in conversation with Giulia Ricci – This event will spotlight the work of Francis Kéré, the first African recipient of the 2022 Pritzker Architecture Prize, renowned for his dedication to sustainable and socially inclusive design, aiming to address global issues like safe drinking water and education.
  • April 18th 2024 – John Pawson in conversation with Deyan Sudjic – Architect John Pawson and design critic Deyan Sudjic, both distinguished for their contributions to architecture, discuss the importance of modern design.
  • April 19th 2024 – Jeanne Gang in conversation with Johanna Agerman Ross – Renowned architect Jeanne Gang will discuss the cultural and environmental significance of existing buildings and how they can be transformed to improve communities, drawing from her latest book, “The Art of Architectural Grafting,” which explores sustainable design through horticultural techniques.
  • April 20th 2024 – Maria Porro in conversation with Hans Ulrich Obrist – A deep dive into the future of design with Maria Porro, President of the Salone and Hans Ulrich Obrist, Artistic Director at the Serpentine Galleries, offering insight into upcoming challenges and opportunities in architecture and design.

INSTALLATIONS AND EXHIBITIONS

Interiors by David Lynch. A Thinking Room, an exhibition at the Milan Design Week 2024, courtesy of Lombardini
Image Courtesy of Lombardini

"INTERIORS BY DAVID LYNCH. A THINKING ROOM"

The exhibit titled Interiors by David Lynch: A Thinking Room, located in Pavilions 5-7, serves as a tribute to the Salone, courtesy of acclaimed director David Lynch. Curated by Antonio Monda, it showcases two mirrored “thinking rooms”, symbolising gateways to the event. Through innovative means, this exhibit creatively explores the connection between interior design and introspection.

"UNDER THE SURFACE"

Under the Surface, created by Accurat, Design Group Italia and Emiliano Ponzi for the International Bathroom Exhibition, explores ethics, sustainability and technology related to water. This installation, shaped like a submerged island, tells a compelling story about the importance of water conservation. Using innovative visual displays, it presents global water consumption data and advancements in eco-friendly bathroom furniture design to raise awareness about our impact on water resources.

Under the Surface, an exhibition at Milan Design Week 2024, courtesy of Salotto NY
Image Courtesy of Salotto NY
Veneta Cucine, an exhibition at EuroCucina of the Milan Design Week 2022, courtesy of Luca Fiammeghi
Image Courtesy of Luca Fiammeghi

"ALL YOU HAVE EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT FOOD DESIGN IN SIX PERFORMANCES"

Lastly, the EuroCucina will feature All You Have Ever Wanted to Know About Food Design in Six Performances, where six international food magazines will collaborate with artists, designers and chefs to offer fresh perspectives on the past and future of natural ingredients. Through discussions, exhibitions and tasting experiences, they aim to push boundaries and inspire innovative approaches to food that will shape the future.

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

Beyond the bustling halls of the Salone, this vibrant week is brimming with other activities to delight professionals and enthusiasts alike.

From April 15th to April 21st, Brera Design Week will also take place in Milan. Throughout the week, this trendy neighbourhood, known for its showrooms and art galleries, will host brands showcasing their latest offerings. 

Bottega Veneta, in partnership with Cassina and Fondation Le Corbusier, will unveil this magnificent installation from April 16th to April 20th, featuring LC14 Cabanon Stools and a new tribute design.

A special ceramic display will be installed at Palazzo Giureconsulti, featuring unique sinuous lines that push the limits of traditional ceramic use. Designed by the renowned London-based firm, it will showcase the material’s strength and creativity, inviting visitors to explore its mesmerising design.

Largo Augusto, near Milan’s renowned Duomo, is set to transform into an “Urban Oasis” – the name of the installation – curated by Baxter Cinema. This space will harmoniously combine lush greenery with elegant furnishings, to create a dynamic outdoor space that promises a multisensory experience and a place to relax.

Living Nature, an exhibition at the Milan Design Week 2024, courtesy of Ph. Saverio Lombardi Vallauri
Image Courtesy of Ph. Saverio Lombardi Vallauri

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