Unveiling the Best of Milan Design Week 2024

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Milan Design Week is the pinnacle event for design enthusiasts worldwide, showcasing the latest trends, innovations, and creative talents in the industry. As we delve into the heart of this vibrant event, it’s essential to first understand the distinct realms of Fuorisalone and Salone del Mobile.

Let’s make a first distinction: Fuorisalone vs. Salone del Mobile. I will explain the difference about the Milan Design Landscape.

So, Fuorisalone encompasses the multitude of events, exhibitions, and installations that take place throughout Milan’s various districts during Design Week. It has increasingly become the focal point for designers, artists, and architects to unveil their latest creations and engage with the public directly. On the other hand, Salone del Mobile is the main trade fair held at the Fiera Milano Rho. It is where leading brands and designers showcase their products and innovations in furniture and interior design.

Now that I described to you the difference, we can start Unveiling the Best of Milan Design Week 2024!

The Magnificence of Salone del Mobile in Rho fair

Returning to the sprawling halls of Fiera Milano Rho from April 16th to 21st, Salone del Mobile marks a pivotal event in the global furniture and design industry. Actually, it has firmly established itself as a must-attend gathering for enthusiasts and professionals alike. Indeed, this year is the 62nd edition. The fair places the visitor at the heart of the experience, striving to create one of the most memorable and accessible editions in recent memory.

This year’s overarching theme revolves around the concept of “surprise”. A sense of wonder and amazement through an ecosystem of innovation that sparks curiosity and introduces groundbreaking design concepts and ideas.

Numbers and datas are really impressive: over 1,900 exhibitors, including 600 young talents under 35 and 22 design schools. Indeed, the fair promises a diverse showcase of creativity and ingenuity. The exhibition format returns to a single level, optimized with insights from neuroscience to enhance visitor orientation. So, this creates an immersive experience that facilitates interaction between exhibitors and attendees.

Additionally, Salone del Mobile continues its commitment to sustainability by repurposing over 50% of the installations from the previous edition. This really underlines its dedication to circularity and the reuse of materials.

Looking forward to keep unveiling the Best of Milan Design Week 2024? Let’s continue discovering Rho fair!

Salone del Mobile: map and organization

Alongside the main exhibition, the fair features thematic biennials such as EuroCucina and Salone Internazionale del Bagno. They are complemented by a rich program of cultural initiatives including installations, performances, and talks. Noteworthy collaborations with the Department and School of Design at Politecnico di Milano further enrich the fair. So, the main topic: exploring the socio-economic impact of Salone del Mobile on the local community. The results are shared in a comprehensive report accessible to academia and the public.

So, here’s how pavilions will be organized:

• Pavilions 9, 11, 22, 24: will focus on the collaboration between companies and designers, with a keen eye on new technologies and functionality.
• Pavilions 14 and 18: This area of the fair will host some of the biggest names in Italian design.
• Pavilions 13 and 15: Established and emerging companies will come together to showcase the best materials, with a particular emphasis on exploring the future of the market.
• Pavilions 6 and 10: Salone Internazionale del Bagno. This section of the fair will solely revolve around bathrooms, with a special focus on water conservation.
• Pavilions 2 and 4: Eurocucina/FTK. Tech-driven and sustainable solutions will take center stage in this kitchen-focused section.
• Pavilions 1, 3, 5, and 7: Sustainability and construction quality.

For more detailed information, get the tickets and the maps, go to Salone del Mobile official website.

Exploring Fuorisalone: A Journey Through Milan’s Design Districts

Now let’s leave Rho fair and go to the city centre! I continue unveiling the Best of Milan Design Week 2024!

Fuorisalone unfolds across Milan’s diverse neighborhoods, each hosting a myriad of design events and exhibitions. Actually, Milan Design Week is not just a singular event but a sprawling extravaganza that takes over the entire city. Each neighborhood is contributing its own unique flavor to the celebration of design. The standout design districts are Tortona, Brera, Lambrate, Durini, 5Vie, and Porta Venezia; each one is offering a distinct experience for design enthusiasts.

From the historic streets of Brera to the industrial charm of Ventura Centrale, here’s a glimpse into the unique offerings of each design district:

• Brera: Nestled in Milan’s historic center, Brera is renowned for its artistic heritage and picturesque streets. So, during Design Week, it comes alive with exhibitions showcasing the latest trends in art, design, and craftsmanship.
• Tortona: A hub of creativity and innovation, Tortona captivates visitors with its dynamic mix of showrooms, pop-up installations, and design studios. Here, cutting-edge design intersects with avant-garde fashion, creating a vibrant tapestry of creativity.
• Lambrate: Known for its industrial charm and emerging talent, Lambrate offers a glimpse into the future of design. Visitors can explore innovative installations, workshops, and design labs, discovering the next generation of design visionaries.
• Durini: exudes luxury and refinement, with its high-end boutiques and exclusive showrooms catering to discerning design connoisseurs.
• 5Vie and Porta Venezia: they offer a more intimate and eclectic experience, with hidden gems waiting to be discovered amidst narrow alleyways and charming courtyards.

Highlights of Fuorisalone: a feast for the senses

There are also other minor districts, but those above are the more important. Each design district has its own peculiarities and charm, contributing to the rich tapestry of creativity that defines Milan Design Week.

For sure, to stay updated about all the events of Fuorisalone, get information, organize your visit, here my tip. I suggest you to take a look to Fuorisalone official website.

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Let’s start exploring together the design districts of Fuorisalone and unveiling the best of Milan Design Week 2024. Within each design district, a wealth of design events and exhibitions awaits.

Brera Design District

During Milan Design Week 2024, the Brera design district promises a captivating array of experiences for design enthusiasts. With grand installations, site-specific artworks, and events scattered throughout its many showrooms, Brera’s Fuorisalone remains a highlight of the annual design extravaganza. This year, the district embraces the theme of Materia Natura, exploring the intersections of sustainability and circular economy. One of the most anticipated installations is Lines of Flight, a suspended sculpture conceived by Numen/For Use for Porsche at Palazzo Clerici. Nearby, Casa Mutina showcases the universe of French designer Ronan Bouroullec, unveiling new collections and limited-edition ceramic objects. So, with such innovative showcases and thought-provoking exhibitions, Brera design district is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the cutting-edge world of design during Milan Design Week.

Tortona Design District

Tortona design district emerges as a cornerstone of Milan Design Week 2024, boasting a rich history of reinvention and innovation. The district has evolved into a vibrant hub of creativity and design. Today, it plays host to a diverse array of independent entities, each offering its unique perspective on contemporary design. From the iconic Superstudio Più to the dynamic cultural center BASE Milano, Tortona Rocks takes center stage with its ninth edition titled Prelude. It offers a tantalizing glimpse into the future of design. Meanwhile, Tortona Design Week pays homage to Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. Actually it has its own Walk of Design, weaving through the district’s iconic landmarks.

Also, a notable addition to the district is Design Variations, housed in a newly renovated former garage overlooking the Darsena. So, designed by Marco Zanuso in the 1940s, this venue sets the stage for a captivating showcase of design innovations. Visitors are greeted by a site-specific intervention by Nathalie Du Pasquier, featuring twelve weather-resistant panels adorned with vibrant graphic motifs. It is a testament to Tortona’s enduring legacy as a trailblazer in the world of design.

Isola Design District

Let’s continue unveiling the Best of Milan Design Week 2024. I will tell you about other design districts you can’t miss!

During Milan Design Week 2024, the Isola design district emerges as a beacon of forward-thinking creativity. With a keen eye towards the challenges of the future, Isola embraces the theme “This Future is Currently Unavailable”. It is a broad concept that serves as the backdrop for a diverse array of exhibitions, installations, events, workshops. Three main hubs anchor the district’s offerings: Lampo Milano located within Scalo Farini. The second is the collaborative workspace WAO PL7 and Galleria Bonelli on via Porro Lambertenghi. The third is and Stecca 3.0. It serves as the district’s headquarters and showcasing the work of a variety of Italian and international design schools. So, with its dynamic programming and innovative approach to design, the Isola district invites visitors to explore the cutting edge of design thinking and creativity during Milan Design Week 2024.

5VIE Design District

It celebrates its eleventh edition! 5VIE Design Week brings the essence of collectible design and artistic creativity back to the heart of Milan’s historic center. It is developed along Corso Magenta, Sant’Ambrogio, and the Colonne di San Lorenzo. This year’s theme is “Unlimited Design Orchestra”. So, it seeks to amplify the sense and significance of design by drawing inspiration from music and the elements of an orchestra, aiming for a design ethos rooted in humanistic values.

Additionally, among the must-see exhibitions and projects in the 5VIE district during Fuorisalone, artist Gunjan Gupta’s Indian Tiny Mega Store stands out, presenting a collection dedicated to Ettore Sottsass and his travels in India. Another highlight is Palazzo Litta. Here the Spanish studio Eliurpi showcases its straw creations as part of Shadows & Poems, curated by Mr. Lawrence. Furthermore, Artemest debuts its new location at Residenza Vignale. It offers a temporary apartment featuring interior design studios and pieces available for purchase, providing visitors with an immersive experience in the world of Italian craftsmanship and design excellence.

My favourite design destrict: Porta Venezia

During Milan Design Week 2024, Porta Venezia design district emerges as a vibrant hub of creativity and innovation. It offers a rich tapestry of design experiences for visitors to explore. Nestled within this historic neighborhood, the district showcases a diverse array of exhibitions, installations, and events that celebrate the intersection of art, design, and culture. The district’s picturesque streets come alive with pop-up galleries, designer boutiques, and concept stores. Actually it offers an eclectic mix of design inspiration at every turn. From interactive workshops to panel discussions and design talks, there are endless opportunities for engagement and dialogue with leading figures in the design world. As the sun sets, Porta Venezia transforms into a bustling hub of nightlife: with vibrant bars and restaurants providing the perfect backdrop for networking and socializing with fellow design enthusiasts.

Let’s go deeper about what to visit in Porta Venezia. So, this design district sets the stage for an immersive exploration of design philosophy during Milan Design Week 2024: this year the theme is “EverythinK is design”. It’s a playful nod to the legendary graphic designer Paul Rand’s mantra “everything is design.” Embracing the district’s ethos of inclusion and diversity, the second edition of Fuorisalone promises to unite emerging designers. To remember the presence of established studios such as Park Associati and Rapt Studio. Also to be mentioned institutions like the MEET international center for digital art and culture and trendsetting brands. Furthermore, among the highly anticipated exhibitions is WonderGlass’s collective showcase at the Institute for the Blind, unveiling two new collections of lamps by Nendo and Formafantasma, as well as a contemplative exploration of terracotta by fifteen Catalan designers in “Inspired in Barcelona: Terra Rossa.”

Navigating Milan Design Week: Transportation Tips

So, we are almost at the end of my article: Unveiling the Best of Milan Design Week 2024. Now, I will give you useful tips about how to arrive in Milan and move around the city.

First: for those planning to attend Milan Design Week, there are several convenient ways to reach the city, whether by train or flight. Milan is well-connected to major European cities by air, with its international airports, Malpensa and Linate, serving as gateways to the design capital. There is also Caravaggio Airport in Orio al Serio (Bergamo) near the city. It is a Ryanair hub with many cheap flights. From there you can take a bus to reach Milan.

Second: travelers arriving by train can also easily access Milan through its central railway station, Milano Centrale, which connects to various domestic and international destinations. Once in Milan, reaching the Rho Fiera exhibition center, where the main Salone del Mobile events take place, is straightforward. Direct train services from Milano Centrale to Rho Fiera are available, providing a quick and hassle-free journey. Otherwise, you can take the metro (Green line, and then red line).

Additionally, shuttle buses and taxis offer convenient transportation options from both airports and the city center to Rho Fiera. Moving around the city during Milan Design Week is equally convenient, thanks to Milan’s efficient public transportation system. It includes metro, tram, and bus services. Designated shuttle buses may also operate between key design districts and exhibition venues; this will make it easy for visitors to explore different areas of the city and attend various events. So,with multiple transportation options available, navigating Milan during Design Week is seamless, allowing attendees to fully immerse themselves in the vibrant design atmosphere of the city.

Looking Ahead: Milan Design Week 2025

As Milan Design Week 2024 draws to a close, one thing is clear: the city has once again proven itself as the epicenter of design excellence. From the iconic halls of Salone del Mobile to the bustling streets of Fuorisalone, visitors have been treated to a sensory feast of creativity, innovation, and inspiration. I hope you enjoyed my article: Unveiling the Best of Milan Design Week 2024.

As we bid farewell to this iconic event, we eagerly anticipate the next chapter of design innovation. Mark your calendars for Milan Design Week 2025, set to take place from April 7th to 13th. Join me as we continue to celebrate the transformative power of design and shape the future of the industry together.

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