barber & osgerby's BREA modular lounge system for dedon at milan design week

Milan Design Week 2025 showcased a significant evolution in the relationship between design and theater, extending beyond retail and hospitality environments to become a prominent theme throughout the festival. Both the Salone del Mobile and the Fuorisalone events, which encompassed over a thousand installations, integrated theatrical elements, utilizing staging solutions often reserved for live performances. Rather than merely presenting objects, actors engaged audiences in product reveals and participated in performances set amidst furniture, automobiles, and other design pieces. This intersection of design and theatricality emerged as one of the most discussed topics of the week. Among the standout installations was Bob Wilson’s “The Night Before. Objects, Chairs, Opera” at Teatro alla Scala. This collaboration between the Salone del Mobile and the renowned opera house marked the symbolic opening of design week. Wilson conceived a performance where design shared the spotlight with music. The theater orchestra, under Michele Spotti, and soprano Marina Rebeka presented operatic excerpts, with minimalist and abstract furniture-like objects serving as sets, and light playing a central role in the narrative. This fusion highlighted how design elements could function as protagonists within a dramatic context. Cassina’s “Staging Modernity,” curated by Formafantasma, celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, and Charlotte Perriand Collection. Held at the Teatro Lirico Giorgio Gaber, the installation immersed visitors in a theatrical experience. Original pieces from the collection were displayed in the lobby, while new editions were arranged on stage and various plinths in the seating area. Actors, directed by Fabio Cherstich, periodically recited original texts by Emanuele Coccia, Andrés Jaque, and Feifei Zhou, creating a performative dialogue around these iconic design pieces. Range Rover’s “Futurespective: Connected Worlds” offered an immersive, time-travel-themed experience. Designed in collaboration with NUOVA, the installation began with visitors receiving a time-travel ticket in a sci-fi-inspired space. The first room recreated a nostalgic 1970s London Range Rover dealership, complete with actors portraying salespeople and a pre-production 1970 olive green Range Rover. Guests then passed through a secret door into a modern, all-white space, where the brand’s latest fifth-generation Range Rover Autobiography, in a bespoke metallic green, was presented, illustrating the brand's journey from past to future. Oscar-winning director Paolo Sorrentino’s “La Dolce Attesa” for Salone del Mobile explored the theme of waiting. Amidst the fast pace of Design Week, Sorrentino created an installation inviting visitors to embrace slowness. Guests, limited to two at a time, were greeted by actors portraying nurses in a hospital-like setting. An elevator transported them to a long room where they sat on moving armchairs, experiencing changes in lighting, heart-like sounds, and reflections from a large heart-shaped sculpture. This highly conceptual piece provided a condensed, slow-paced theatrical memory within the hectic week. Finally, Dimorestudio’s “La prima notte di quiete” for Loro Piana transformed the fashion brand’s headquarters into a narrative-driven interior. The installation, devoid of screens, enveloped visitors in a dark space filled with music and voices. Lights gradually revealed a bedroom, bathroom, and living room, showcasing Loro Piana’s products within a seemingly natural yet disrupted environment. Spilled water, broken glasses, and dripping ceilings created a sense of an event having just occurred, leaving visitors to piece together the story. This intriguing approach to interior design became one of the most discussed installations, demonstrating how design can effectively convey a compelling narrative. #MilanDesignWeek #DesignAndTheater #SaloneDelMobile #Fuorisalone #BobWilson #Cassina #RangeRover #PaoloSorrentino #DimoreStudio

Design Holding, a collaborative effort comprising Flos, B&B Italia, and Louis Poulsen, presented a unified exhibition booth at Salone del Mobile. The booth, designed by Calvi Brambilla, was conceptualized to resemble a life-size pinball game, featuring a graphic corridor that highlighted iconic products and celebrated designers from each brand. This corridor served as an engaging entry point, visually narrating the history and contributions of the three companies. Designers such as Achille Castiglioni, Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, Gaetano Pesce, Nendo, and Patricia Urquiola were prominently featured on interactive walls that illuminated, mimicking the dynamic play of a pinball machine. The booth was situated in the new S.project pavilion and aimed to reflect the collective philosophy of Design Holding, emphasizing the strong individual identities of Flos, B&B Italia, and Louis Poulsen while showcasing their shared historical connections and contemporary innovations. Following the interactive pinball corridor, the exhibition space diverged into three distinct areas, each dedicated to presenting the individual offerings of the participating brands. Flos, within its dedicated section, commemorated the 50th anniversary of Mario Bellini's cult design, the 'Chiara' lamp, by re-issuing it. In addition to this re-edition, Flos unveiled a range of new and innovative lighting systems. These new pieces were the result of collaborations with prominent designers, including Michael Anastassiades, Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, Antonio Citterio, Formafantasma, Piero Lissoni, Nendo, Philippe Starck, and Patricia Urquiola. Each designer contributed unique approaches to lighting, ranging from decorative track systems that offer endless configurations to pieces that integrate power cables as primary design features. Michael Anastassiades' contributions included 'Coordinates,' a system designed for various arrangements, and 'My Circuit,' a decorative lighting track system with individual curved and linear sections. Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec presented their 'Belt' lighting system, characterized by uniformly crafted leather belts. Formafantasma's 'Wireline' ingeniously utilized the power cable as a central design element, flattened to resemble a rubber belt. Patricia Urquiola's 'Flauta' drew inspiration from organs and flutes, with spotlights designed to capture and reverberate light using small circular reflectors. Piero Lissoni's 'Atom' was introduced as a compact fixture attached to the smallest professional track on the market for surface installation. Nendo’s contribution featured a design that combined a thin frame with an illuminated sphere, and the 'Heco' outdoor lighting collection offered two distinct configurations, with an intentional bending of the metal structure creating the illusion of the frame sinking under the illuminated sphere. The collective presentation demonstrated a balance between honoring design heritage and embracing forward-thinking innovation in lighting and furniture. #SaloneDelMobile #Flos #BBItalia #LouisPoulsen #CalviBrambilla #LightingDesign #FurnitureDesign #DesignHolding #MilanDesignWeek

The article introduces the Diesel Home Collection, a collaboration between fashion brand Diesel, lighting brand Foscarini, and furniture brand Moroso. This collection, showcased at the Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan, features a range of furniture and lighting designed to express the Diesel style through ironic, irreverent, and creative means. The lighting collection, developed with Foscarini, offers lamps inspired by various themes, from rock music to retro aesthetics. The Graf collection, for instance, draws inspiration from pop music, featuring graphic representations of DJ consoles and natural elements on its opaque weave fabric. These lamps are available in hanging, table, or floor versions and provide a warm, diffused light. The Rock lamp, a standout piece, is an artistic interpretation of a split volcanic rock, with a rough, dark exterior and a shiny, iridescent interior that creates dramatic visual effects when illuminated. Stud, another lighting design, embodies rock energy with metal nails on its base and a chrome-plated diffuser reminiscent of mirrored sunglasses, offering variable lighting effects. Cage lamps are inspired by old lanterns, featuring a luminous body protected by a decorative metal cage with an irregular structure. These come in white, black, and light green, offering different moods and visual transformations when switched on. Glas reinterprets classic work lights found in warehouses and factories, using innovative materials like glass with a silver-colored surface to create a unique decorative element with a retro feel. The Fork lamp is an ironic nod to camping, with a canvas shade resembling tent stitching, available in floor and table versions. Tri-p is a portable floor lamp with an umbrella-like structure, designed for easy transport and featuring a changeable elastic fabric shade. For furniture, the collaboration with Moroso resulted in the "Successful Living from Diesel with Moroso" collection, designed to embody a relaxed and comfortable informal lifestyle. This collection targets consumers who appreciate simple shapes combined with high-quality materials and distinctive, pure-lined designs. Patrizia Moroso, who oversees the design projects, explains that the collection explores two coexisting aspects of contemporary trends: a darker, underground-inspired aesthetic with an aggressive and enigmatic feel, and a lighter, nature-inspired one with soft, welcoming shapes. This approach led to the creation of the Camp and Rock collections. The Camp collection includes the Nebula Nine Sofa, described as soft like a large cloud with generous shapes and stonewashed linen covers, providing an ideal space for relaxation. The Cumulus Chair offers similar comfort with its large cushions. This collection also features hand-painted wooden furniture such as the Overdyed Lounge Chair, Overdyed Side Chair, and two tables (rectangular Overdyed Table and round Overdyed Side Table). The painting technique, known as ragging, reveals the natural wood streaks and creates a special vintage effect, complemented by black-painted steel support structures. The Rock collection takes a different direction, drawing heavily from music, concerts, and visual idioms. The Xraydio 2 Disc occasional table features an X-ray print of a DJ console on glass, using electric blue and black shades to create a strong, evocative, and iconic effect. The Xraydio 1 Razza table uses a similar process with an image of a ray fish. The 3-panel screen, Xraydio 3 Natura Morta, displays a photographic image playing with the archetype of a seventeenth-century still life. Further rock-inspired elements include the Bar Stud stools, available in two heights, and the Ego Stud mirror, both adorned with studs on leather. A special item is the Flightcase storage unit, inspired by musician's instrument cases, available with two or three doors. The entire collection aims to create an alternative and distinctive mood, where each product possesses a strong identity that is further enhanced when combined, resulting in a laid-back, fun, and rock-inspired atmosphere. #DieselHomeCollection #FurnitureDesign #LightingDesign #MilanDesignWeek #Foscarini #Moroso #InteriorDesign #ContemporaryDesign #ProductLaunch

At the 2018 Milan Design Week, Italian architect Stefano Boeri unveiled a door handle named 'DUE', designed for DND, an Italian door handle company celebrating its 50th anniversary. The 'DUE' handle is conceived as a small piece of architecture, aiming to serve as a bridge between the human body, industrial design, and the broader architectural context. Its design reimagines the traditional relationship between the handle's grip and its attached plate, presenting both as a pair of slender, equally proportioned parallelepipeds. This approach elevates a common functional object into a significant design element, reflecting Boeri's architectural philosophy on a micro-scale. The initiative stemmed from DND's newly appointed artistic director, Giulio Iacchetti, who invited five Italian architects to develop unique door handle designs to commemorate the company's half-century milestone. Stefano Boeri was among the selected architects, tasked with infusing an architectural perspective into the design of a door handle. The result, 'DUE', stands out for its minimalist form and conceptual depth, aligning with Boeri's known focus on integrating natural and architectural elements in his larger projects. During Milan Design Week, an exhibition titled 'Handling Architecture' showcased Boeri’s 'DUE' alongside four other designs from notable architects: Alfonso Femia, Maurizio Varratta, Cino Zucchi, and 967 Arch. This exhibition was hosted at the Lualdi showroom, situated in the vibrant Brera Design District, and featured the five innovative door handles mounted on Lualdi doors. The installation, curated by Francesco Librizzi, allowed visitors to experience these designs in a contextual setting, highlighting how these small architectural components interact with the larger structure of a door and, by extension, a building. The project underscores the potential for everyday objects, like door handles, to embody significant design principles and architectural concepts. Boeri's 'DUE' handle, with its emphasis on pure geometric forms and its role as an interface between user and space, exemplifies a thoughtful integration of industrial design with architectural sensibility. It challenges the conventional perception of a door handle, transforming it from a mere utility into a tactile and visual component that contributes to the overall aesthetic and functional narrative of an interior space. The collaboration between DND and these prominent architects further illustrates a commitment to design innovation and the exploration of new possibilities within a seemingly simple product category. #MilanDesignWeek #StefanoBoeri #DND #DoorHandleDesign #IndustrialDesign #ArchitecturalDesign #ItalianDesign #GiulioIacchetti #ProductInnovation

The article presents a curated selection of ten notable furniture and lighting designs created by prominent architects and studios, which were showcased at Milan Design Week. These designs span a range of products from chairs and tables to various lighting fixtures, highlighting the intersection of architecture and product design. Among the featured pieces is "La Magie du Bois" by Swiss studio Herzog & de Meuron, a furniture collection developed in collaboration with Marta Sala Editions Milano. This collection emphasizes wooden craftsmanship and includes four series, notably the Meninas armchairs, crafted from Canaletto walnut and fabric, specifically designed for the renovation of Hotel Les Trois Rois in Basel. The collection was exhibited at Salone del Mobile. Danish architecture studio BIG showcased their "Arctic" lamp collection at the Euroluce 2025 exhibition. This lighting series is characterized by geometric components that create a play of light and reflection, inspired by the geometry of ice crystals. The lamps feature a sculptural Archimedean form with mirrored surfaces and a central core that diffuses light, while the mirrored surfaces reflect the surroundings when the light is off. Phantom Hands, a furniture brand, collaborated with the Geoffrey Bawa Trust to reintroduce Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa’s furniture collection. This collection, encompassing chairs, tables, and lighting, recreates pieces originally developed between the mid-1960s and mid-1990s, including wood and metal furniture like the curvaceous Kandalama chairs. Gae Aulenti’s "Alcinoo" table lamp was reinterpreted by lighting brand Artemide, 50 years after its initial design. The lamp features a rounded form of blown glass encased within a cylindrical metal cage, balancing transparency and structural strength. A sphere emerges from the top, and three internal light sources filter through its transparent exterior. Japanese architect Kengo Kuma collaborated with Spanish outdoor design brand Gandia Blasco to create the limited-edition HOS collection, which includes a deckchair and stool. These pieces, displayed at Salone del Mobile, feature wooden joints, reflecting Japanese architectural traditions, and are made with tactile fabrics from recycled PET fibers. Lebanese architect Aline Asmar d'Amman presented "The Power of Tenderness," a furniture series comprising bookshelves, tables, and chairs made from marble, concrete, and stone. The Béton Littéraire series includes a bookshelf made from books and rough concrete, while other pieces like the Stone Cloud table series and Georgia lounge seating range feature plush finishes and swivel bases. Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan of Studio MK27, in collaboration with Minotti, launched the "Bézier" and "Bézier Cord Outdoor" collections. These collections, known for their organic forms, feature modular seating systems with plush finishes and coffee and dining tables with textured surfaces. Engineering firm Arup introduced "Internode," a lamp crafted from bamboo and aluminum components. Showcased at Artemide's Euroluce exhibition, this task light uses spring-free joints, relying on friction and equilibrium for its function. Norwegian studio Snøhetta, in partnership with Italian lighting manufacturer Viabizzuno, launched the "Aura" lighting collection. This collection focuses on optimizing light quality through transparent "light prisms" rather than the fixture itself. Swiss architect Mario Botta collaborated with Italian design company Alias to create the "Saturno" table collection and "Zeta" stool. The Zeta stool, built from colored MDF, is inspired by the letter Z, while the Saturno series features tables with solid central bases, reflecting Botta’s architectural style. These designs represent a blend of architectural principles and furniture aesthetics, offering functional and artistic pieces for contemporary spaces. #MilanDesignWeek #FurnitureDesign #LightingDesign #ArchitecturalFurniture #ProductDesign #ContemporaryDesign #InteriorDesign #SaloneDelMobile

Milan Design Week transforms the city into a global design hub, attracting attendees to both Salone del Mobile and Fuorisalone. This year's event showcases a diverse range of installations, highlighting innovative approaches to design, lighting, and materiality. Atelier Biagetti, a recurring favorite at Fuorisalone, presents "The King," an exploration of obsessions inspired by Elvis Presley. Their installation reimagines a fantastical living room featuring "The King Sofa," a modular piece accompanied by guitar cases cleverly reinterpreted as tables with intricate Ravenna mosaics. This piece exemplifies their propensity for the impossible and their unique artistic vision. Ross Gardam, an Australian lighting designer, offers "Transcendence," an exhibit focused on the allure of illuminated glass. Gardam, known for creating meditative moods with his fixtures, demonstrates his broad talents and deep fascination with glass's ability to transcend physical boundaries. The installation promises a dynamic curation of luminaires, showcasing the material's unparalleled qualities. Giopato & Coombes, Treviso-based lighting masters, unveil "18 Pockets" after six years of dedicated research. This exhibit provides a glimpse into their creative process, highlighting the magical qualities of the immaterial. Their previous fixtures are transformed into 18 unique luminaires through a complex system of weight and balance, creating charming and poetic combinations. Galerie Philia's "Desacralized" exhibition takes place in a deconsecrated 11th-century Milanese church, fittingly exploring the theme of desacralization. Over 20 artists from the gallery's roster contribute to this unique setting. Notable pieces include Studiopepe's octagonal marble side table, inspired by Italian baptisteries, Kar Studio’s chair, drawing inspiration from ancient Chinese Shang Dynasty script, and a monumental chandelier by Morghen Studio, designed to offer a transformative experience of light within the historic space. SolidNature returns with "Beyond the Surface," an OMA-designed installation that metaphorically connects quarrying stone with the act of dreaming across seven distinct rooms. A highlight is Sabine Marcelis’s lustrous table, an ombré glass coffee table anchored by impressive stone blocks, demonstrating her experimental approach to materials. Objects of Common Interest, composed of Eleni Petaloti and Leonidas Trampoukis, presents "Poikilos." Inspired by ancient Greek references to iridescence and insights from Romanian artisan Ovidiu Colea, their ethereal objects and tables with opalescent finishes and sinuous curves inject energy into the Nilufar Depot. Loewe Chairs, under Jonathan Anderson's direction, reinterprets chairs into distinctive totems through an emphasis on texture, personality, color, and weaving. The display integrates materials close to Loewe’s brand identity, such as leather and raffia, with unexpected techniques like incorporating thermal blankets, elevating the humble stick chair into a canvas for elaborate woven decoration. Suchi Reddy, founder of Reddymade Architecture and Design, collaborates with Lexus on "Shaped by Air," an installation focused on carbon neutrality. Visitors navigate a forest of Matisse-like forms to discover a life-sized interpretation of the Lexus Electrified Sport, designed to evoke the sensation of being shaped by air. Lastly, "Bar Flora" is a collaboration between Sophie Lou Jacobsen, Nick Ozemba, and Felicia Hung of In Common With. Building on their Flora Collection, which employs Venetian glassmaking techniques to mimic natural forms, this installation transforms Palinurobar into a floral oasis. It introduces two new additions, including a sandblasted amber colorway, further enhancing their partnership. Byredo, known for its unconventional approach to fragrance, showcases "Bal D’Afrique by Dozie Kanu." Founder Ben Gorham teamed with Portugal-based artist Dozie Kanu to capture the essence of the beloved fragrance through a showcase that merges Kanu's unique objects with photographic negatives from Adjoa Armah’s _saman archive_, creating a multi-sensory experience that extends beyond traditional perfumery. #MilanDesignWeek #DesignInstallations #Fuorisalone #LightingDesign #FurnitureDesign #MaterialInnovation #CollectibleDesign #ArtAndDesign

The article discusses the "Tools for Life" furniture collection, a collaboration between Knoll and OMA, the architecture office co-founded by Rem Koolhaas. This collection, which was previewed at Prada's fall 2013 men's fashion shows, is set for its official debut at the Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan. The exhibition will take place on April 9 and 10 at Prada’s exhibition space. The furniture is specifically designed to address the increasingly fluid boundaries between living and working environments, emphasizing kinetic and flexible functionality over static forms. Rem Koolhaas articulated his objective for the collection as creating furniture capable of performing in both precise and unpredictable ways, with flexibility being a core tenet. A notable piece, the 04 Counter, is described as a massive, engineered item comprising three horizontal bars. These bars can stack to form a wall, or they can pivot and cantilever, allowing the piece to transform from a room divider into a "piazza," according to Benjamin Pardo, Knoll’s design director. Pardo observed that the dynamic nature of the object encourages user interaction and engagement. Other items in the collection, such as the 05 Round Table and the 06 Table, are also designed with adaptability in mind. The 06 Table, envisioned as an executive desk, features a two-layered top. Both tables can be electrically adjusted in height, ranging from standing level to lounge height, catering to various user needs and activities. The collection further extends to include a coffee table, diverse seating options, a screen, and a credenza, each contributing to the overarching theme of versatile living and working spaces. The launch of the "Tools for Life" collection coincides with Knoll’s 75th anniversary. Benjamin Pardo identifies parallels between OMA’s furniture and some of Florence Knoll’s classic designs, noting that both serve as "background pieces that create sub-architecture in an architectural space." However, Pardo highlights that "Tools for Life" is specifically a response to contemporary work patterns. He stresses the importance of discussing "work" rather than solely the "office," reflecting the modern reality that individuals now work across various environments. This emphasis on flexible work and living spaces is a prominent theme at this year's Salone. The fair itself is sponsoring an exhibition titled "Project: office for living," conceived by French architect Jean Nouvel. This exhibition will showcase five distinct work environments, including a classic apartment reconfigured into a cocoon-like workspace and a cityscape composed of mobile, modular, and stackable flat surfaces designed for easy arrangement and use. This parallel exploration of adaptable spaces indicates a broader industry trend where design minds are converging on similar solutions for evolving lifestyle and work demands. #FurnitureDesign #Knoll #OMAArchitecture #RemKoolhaas #FlexibleLiving #MilanDesignWeek #SaloneInternazionaleDelMobile #WorkFromAnywhere #InteriorDesignTrends

The 'Hive' collection, developed by atelier oï for B&B Italia, explores an innovative approach to upholstery using small leather patches, termed "leaves," to construct a three-dimensional textile. This deconstruction process details the extensive trial and error involved in perfecting this complex material, which ultimately informed the design of hexagonal ottomans and complementary low tables. The initial phase of development focused on material exploration, specifically forming studies with leather patches in various colors and configurations. This involved examining both the front and back of these patch arrangements, noting how individual leather pieces connected to form a cohesive textile, even before full attachment. Following these material studies, the design team moved into conceptualizing how this unique leather textile could be applied to furniture. Early sketches focused on adapting the connected leather structures for an ottoman. This led to the creation of numerous ottoman models, varying in size, form, and leather color, to test the aesthetic and structural possibilities. A significant challenge addressed during development was how to effectively wrap the ottoman legs with the patch textile, requiring dedicated studies to perfect the technique. Further refinement involved developing methods to finish the corners and sides of the ottoman, especially given the irregular edges of the leather patches, ensuring a seamless and polished appearance. In parallel with the ottoman design, the concept evolved to include complementary furniture pieces. Initial sketches were created for a similarly shaped table to be paired with the ottomans. This integration aimed to create a cohesive collection where both the ottomans and tables shared a unified design language, inspired by the distinctive beehive-like texture of the leather. The culmination of this design process resulted in a finished product showcasing three-color ottomans paired with the metal tables. The 'Hive' collection was notably featured in an installation at the B&B Italia Store during the Milan Furniture Fair in April 2013, highlighting the successful application of this innovative textile in a contemporary furniture context. #LeatherUpholstery #3DTextiles #FurnitureDesign #AtelierOi #BBItalia #ProductDevelopment #OttomanDesign #TableDesign #MilanFurnitureFair

Designer Lee Broom launched his new 'Optical' lighting collection by transforming his studio's delivery van into a mobile exhibition space. This innovative concept, named 'Salone del Automobile,' involved meticulously designing the van's interior to resemble a traditional Italian palazzo. The transformation included painting the van's interior in Broom's signature grey, and adding ornate Corinthian columns, architraves, and stuccoed details, complemented by an illuminated floor. This elaborately decorated van served as a dramatic backdrop for the new monochromatic lighting fixtures. The 'Salone del Automobile' embarked on a journey from Broom's London headquarters to Milan, where it was showcased at various prominent locations during Salone del Mobile, including Brera Design District, Spazio Rossana Orlandi, ZonaTortona, San Gregorio Docet, and Ventura Lambrate. This unconventional exhibition strategy allowed the collection to reach a wider audience and provided a unique viewing experience, highlighting the pieces within an unexpected, yet grand, setting. The 'Optical' lighting collection itself features illuminated globes adorned with graphic, linear patterns. These designs are asymmetrical, creating a dynamic visual effect where their appearance shifts depending on the viewer's angle. Broom drew inspiration for this collection from his own experiences in the early 1990s, specifically recalling his use of monochrome graphics when decorating his bedroom. This personal connection to the design imbues the collection with a sense of nostalgia while maintaining a contemporary aesthetic. The collection is characterized by its stark black and white palette, which further emphasizes the graphic quality of the patterns. Each piece is designed to create an interplay of light and shadow, enhancing the 'optical' illusion and making the fixtures captivating from all perspectives. The installation within the van was carefully orchestrated to maximize this effect, presenting the lights as functional art pieces within a curated, mobile environment. This method of presentation not only served as a launch for the 'Optical' collection but also demonstrated a creative approach to exhibition design in the competitive world of furniture and lighting. By bringing the showroom directly to the audience in an artistic and memorable way, Lee Broom successfully generated significant attention and discussion around his new works, solidifying his reputation for innovative design and marketing. #LeeBroom #LightingDesign #SaloneDelMobile #ProductLaunch #ExhibitionDesign #OpticalLighting #MilanDesignWeek #InteriorDesign

British designer Jasper Morrison has unveiled an expansion of his T&O; furniture collection for Japanese brand Maruni, introducing two new tables that combine wood and painted steel elements. The new pieces, which were first showcased at Salone del Mobile in April, build upon the aesthetic established by the original T&O; chair and table designed in 2016. The collection's name, T&O;, is derived from the subtle resemblance of its components to the letters 'T' and 'O', where the crossbar of the 'T' and the circularity of the 'O' are reflected in the design. The new additions include a rectangular table featuring red steel legs with circular bases, and a smaller circular table supported by a similarly shaped metal stem. Morrison highlights the unique use of materials in his designs, noting that while combining wood and steel is not unusual, his approach of integrating steel, particularly with color, between wooden parts, brings a fresh perspective to furniture typology. He specifically appreciates the contrast between the round base and the square tops of the tables, as well as the wooden bar connecting the legs of the longer tables, which positions the metal elements strategically within the wooden structure. Morrison envisions the T&O; collection as versatile, suitable for both home environments and certain commercial settings, citing an instance where he saw pieces from the collection in a Tsutaya bookstore in Japan. His collaboration with Maruni dates back to 2011, during which he has also designed a wood-framed bench-like sofa for the brand. Recognized as a leading industrial designer globally, Morrison's design philosophy is characterized by his "super normal" aesthetic, focusing on creating everyday objects that are both functional and subtly elegant. He received his education at Kingston Polytechnic and the Royal College of Art in London, establishing his studio in 2008, which now operates internationally with offices in Tokyo and Paris. His extensive portfolio includes collaborations with prominent brands such as Aram, SCP, and Cappellini. Beyond his work with Maruni, Morrison's recent projects demonstrate his diverse design interests. He serves as an art director for Swiss electronics company Punkt and has designed sandals for Camper, furniture for Vitra, and a prefabricated cabin for Muji. His contributions to the design industry have been widely acknowledged, placing him among the most influential figures in the field, as evidenced by his ranking among the top designers on Dezeen Hot List. #JasperMorrison #Maruni #FurnitureDesign #WoodAndSteel #SaloneDelMobile #BritishDesign #IndustrialDesign #SuperNormalAesthetic #MilanDesignWeek

Dimorestudio, in collaboration with Loro Piana, unveiled an immersive installation titled 'La Prima Notte di Quiete' at Milan Design Week 2025. This unique presentation explores the blurred lines between reality and cinematic fiction, set within the evocative backdrop of an elegant, fictional 1970s villa. The experience was designed to showcase new furniture pieces from Dimoremilano – Dimorestudio's furniture brand – for Loro Piana Interiors, alongside existing studio classics re-imagined with Loro Piana fabrics. The installation, located in the Cortile della Seta courtyard at Loro Piana's headquarters, begins with guests entering a foyer designed to resemble a vintage cinema, complete with red velvet curtains and leopard-print carpet. Visitors are then guided through a series of holding areas before entering a pitch-black space. The core of the experience unfolds as individual rooms of the villa are dramatically illuminated, synchronized with a soundtrack composed by Nicola Guiducci. This multisensory approach creates an atmosphere of suspense and intrigue, leaving attendees to ponder the narrative of the villa's unseen inhabitants. The setting is a stormy night, emphasized by the sounds of thunder and water cascading down glass panels. Intermittent voices add to a sense of commotion, subtly reflected in the disarray of the interior spaces: crumpled bed sheets, scattered grapes, and misplaced throw pillows. The meticulous attention to detail is evident in elements like a half-read book on a sofa and faint suggestions of mold on the ceiling, all contributing to the plausibility of the scene. Dimorestudio emphasizes that this realism is achieved through a balanced curation of diverse objects, mirroring the sophisticated taste one would find in a genuinely lived-in home. Among the featured pieces is the 'Varallo' round bed, characterized by a tubular steel frame integrated with a Mohair velvet-upholstered headboard. The 'Valsesia' oval dining table also incorporates the same tubular steel for its legs, supporting a lacquered wood top with an Altai wool and cashmere fabric center. The installation also includes various other luxuriously crafted items, such as cabinets, seating, lighting, and decorative objects, all seamlessly integrated to appear as if they were collected over time by the villa's residents. Classic Dimoremilano designs like the 'Tavolo 089', 'Dega', 'Sciura', and 'Patty' armchairs are reinterpreted using Loro Piana Interiors fabrics, underscoring a commitment to tactile luxury and harmonious design. A notable debut within the installation is Loro Piana's 'Punti a Maglia' porcelain tableware, handcrafted in Limoges, which is presented dramatically shattered, adding to the installation's narrative of disruption. Antique sculptures and artworks, sourced from various galleries including Tornabuoni Art and Cardi Gallery, are strategically placed throughout the vignettes and in metal and glass vitrines, further enriching the environment. Dimorestudio's reputation for a cinematic design approach is evident, with influences from filmmakers like David Lynch and Federico Fellini. The installation, which intentionally raises more questions than it answers, serves as a masterclass in set design, inviting visitors into a thought-provoking experience that culminates in a golden, engraved key as a parting gift, subtly implicating the visitor in the unfolding mystery. #MilanDesignWeek #Dimorestudio #LoroPiana #InteriorDesign #FurnitureDesign #ImmersiveInstallation #CinematicDesign #LuxuryInteriors #ItalianDesign

Studiopepe, the multidisciplinary design agency led by Arianna Lelli Mami and Chiara Di Pinto, created Club Unseen as a pop-up club for this year's Fuorisalone, quickly becoming one of the most sought-after installations. Despite its discreet street presence, characterized by whitewashed industrial windows and a small neon logo, the club generated considerable buzz. Entry was granted via a sent tattoo of the club's circular logo, enhancing its exclusive and intriguing nature. The club was conceived as an informal refuge away from the usual crowded itineraries of Salone del Mobile. It was situated in a former late 19th-century warehouse on the ground floor of an elegant historic Milanese property in the Piazza Tricolore neighborhood. The space comprised six rooms, arranged in a linear fashion to suit the slender footprint of the warehouse. Studiopepe custom-designed much of the furniture, lighting, and finishes for Club Unseen. These bespoke elements were integrated with classic and contemporary pieces, wallcoverings, and curated items from approximately 30 brands, including Agape, &Tradition, de Sede, Dedar, and Tacchini. A central feature of Club Unseen was its bar, positioned between two lounge areas. This illuminated screen transformed the process of mixology into a performance art. Drinks were dispensed through a theatrical horizontal opening, revealing only the white-gloved forearms and hands of the bartenders, whose slow, exaggerated movements added to the dramatic presentation of cocktails. Geometric forms and grid patterns were prevalent throughout the club's interior, which was predominantly decorated in pastel hues and silver tones, contributing to a graphic and modern aesthetic. Even the staff's attire, consisting of white dungarees and pink Philippe Model sneakers, complemented this design theme. The design also incorporated numerous retro references, particularly from the Seventies. The reception area featured lacquered ceramic 'Haiku' tiles, designed by Studiopepe for Botteganove, which displayed a Tetris-like pattern inspired by the three-dimensional rhythm of Carlo Scarpa’s concrete architecture. A small room was entirely dedicated to a maxi-size sofa, a direct homage to the performances of the Radical Design movement of the Seventies, a period also celebrated in Vitra’s Night Fever exhibition. Studiopepe's bespoke pieces offered a contemporary reinterpretation of Seventies elements. Wall hangings like the 'Talisman – Ultra Talisman' combined mirrors and lighting with hand-knotted mohair and CC-Tapis fringes. The Cloud Nine neon tube chandelier for Tecnolux, suspended above the maxi sofa, introduced a disco element, which many consider an ultimate expression of Radical Design. Augmented reality was also integrated into the experience, with animated content accessible via the Aria app, offering various visuals on Studiopepe flyers tailored for social media. Club Unseen presented an innovative and immersive experience, blending exclusivity, performance, and a rich tapestry of design influences. #ClubUnseen #Studiopepe #SaloneDelMobile #Fuorisalone #DesignInstallation #MilanDesign #InteriorDesign #RadicalDesign #ConceptualArt

This week's Dezeen Showroom features seven new product introductions, highlighting innovative furniture and lighting designs from various international brands and designers. A prominent introduction is the Worm sofa bench by Clap Studio for Missana, a modular seating solution characterized by its millipede-like shape. The bench consists of three adaptable modules—an end module, a straight module, and a curved module—allowing for flexible arrangements to suit diverse spatial requirements. Its design incorporates a rounded upholstered seat and distinctive metal legs, contributing to its unique aesthetic and functional versatility. The sofa is a testament to contemporary design that balances playfulness with practicality in modular furniture. Another notable product is the Arholma outdoor collection, designed by Alexander Lervik for the Swedish brand Skargaarden. This collection emphasizes minimalist design principles, offering a range of outdoor furniture pieces including chairs, tables, sofas, and sun loungers. Each item is constructed from galvanised powder-coated aluminium and durable outdoor fabrics, ensuring longevity and resistance to various weather conditions. The Arholma collection aims to provide elegant and resilient options for outdoor living spaces, blending seamlessly with natural or architectural environments. Fogia, another Swedish brand, presents the Big Sur Low coffee table, a collaborative effort between glass artist Simon Klenell and carpenter Kristoffer Sundin. This coffee table features a thin, tinted glass tabletop supported by rounded wooden legs, available in multiple color options. The fusion of Klenell's artistic vision in glass and Sundin's woodworking expertise results in a piece that is both functional and sculptural, adding a sophisticated touch to interior settings. For workplace environments, Narbutas has introduced customisable features for its Silent Room acoustic pod. This pod is designed to create private spaces for calls or meetings within open-plan offices, addressing the need for sound isolation and concentration in bustling work areas. New additions include an optional glass insert for the back wall, enhancing its adaptability, especially for installations near windows. The Silent Room aims to improve productivity and comfort in modern office layouts. Shakúff, a US-based brand, unveils the Dew pendant light, a design inspired by the natural phenomenon of dewdrops on leaves. These glass pendant lights are intended to be hung in multiples, forming elegant chandeliers. Available in clear, grey, or amber glass, the Dew pendant lights offer a delicate yet striking lighting solution, capable of creating varied atmospheric effects depending on the chosen color and arrangement. The design focuses on bringing a subtle, organic beauty into interior spaces through illumination. Andreas Engesvik's Lyra lounge chair for Fogia is highlighted for its contrast between soft cushioned seating and a graphic metal frame. The chair's design prioritizes both comfort and aesthetic appeal, aiming to evoke a sensation of sinking into a pile of pillows. The Lyra lounge chair embodies a modern approach to comfort, combining supportive structure with luxurious softness, suitable for various residential and commercial lounge settings. Finally, Zuma introduces the Lumisonic downlight, an innovative lighting solution that integrates a loudspeaker and is operated via voice activation. This wireless device offers additional functionalities such as circadian rhythm lighting and mood lighting, positioning it as a comprehensive smart home fixture. The Lumisonic downlight represents an advancement in home technology, merging lighting, sound, and intelligent control into a single, discreet unit, enhancing the ambiance and functionality of any room. #ProductDesign #FurnitureDesign #LightingDesign #InteriorDesign #ModularFurniture #OutdoorFurniture #AcousticSolutions #SmartHomeTechnology

Milan Design Week and Salone del Mobile 2024 provided a prominent platform for Japanese design, showcasing a diverse range of innovative creations from various brands. The event highlighted traditional craftsmanship integrated with modern aesthetics, spanning furniture, lighting, textiles, and art installations. Several key brands presented new collections and exhibitions across Milan, emphasizing unique materials and design philosophies. Karimoku Case, known for its woodworking and manufacturing precision, exhibited at Salone del Mobile with a theme of 'Natural Contrasts.' The exhibition, curated by architect Keiji Ashizawa, created a serene atmosphere with spaces designed to connect indoor and outdoor elements. A notable feature was the reintroduction of _keyaki_ (zelkova) wood, traditionally used in temples and shrines, into contemporary furniture, aiming to revive its popularity. Designs by Ashizawa, Norm Architects, and Norman Foster were prominently displayed, reflecting a holistic approach to furniture within specific project settings. Three other Karimoku brands also held separate exhibitions. Seyun, a collaboration fusing Zaha Hadid's futuristic designs with Karimoku's wood craftsmanship, unveiled a new side table, tray, and lounge chair, all crafted from single pieces of wood. Mas, creatively directed by Wataru Kumano, debuted in Milan with 'Project Hinoki,' an exploration of Japanese cypress wood, featuring minimal lights by Daniel Rybakken and low triangular tables by Ville Kokkonen. Karimoku New Standard, with David Glättli as creative director, presented its first solo show in five years, showcasing pieces like the Polar sofa by Moritz Schlatter and textiles from a collaboration with Reiko Sudo's nuno, all in an atmospheric artist's studio setting. The textile industry was represented by Hosoo, a centuries-old Kyoto maker, in collaboration with Michele de Lucchi. Their 'Mind Landscape Collection' explored forest aesthetics through four new textiles (Cedar, Red Elm, Red Oak, Afzelia) with motifs derived from macro photographs of wood fibers and satellite imagery, blurring the lines between wood and fabric. Issey Miyake's 'Fold and Crease' installation, created by Dutch collective We Make Carpets, featured 60,000 hand-dyed bamboo skewers forming an undulating abstraction, evoking an underwater landscape within the brand's flagship store. Sugiyama Furniture, specializing in solid iron craftsmanship, presented 'The Beauty of Lines,' showcasing the versatility of iron in minimalist interior products. Collaborations with Japanese creatives yielded pieces like Kazuteru Murasawa's Felice chairs, combining lightweight iron with organic leather details, and Fumie Shibata's Wall Deco series. Ambientec, a Japanese lighting brand, introduced Fotika, a hybrid portable and desk lamp designed by Kensaku Oshiro, inspired by the light filtering through ocean waters and crafted from a single piece of aluminum. Majotae, a Japanese hemp brand, presented Majotae 9490, a new line of bedding made from _tamai-fu_, a super-fine traditional hemp, with textiles displayed in natural dyes. The exhibition also showcased historical hemp artifacts and a live demonstration of traditional weaving. Stellar Works, a Japanese furniture brand based in Shanghai, returned with an expansive showcase inspired by Marco Zanuso, featuring new Neri & Hu products like the Qi collection sofas and the Taiko terrazzo table by Studio Stefan Scholten. Finally, Nagano Interior, making its Salone del Mobile debut, presented solid wood furniture crafted from materials like red oak and Japanese ash, embodying the concept of 'wa' or harmony, with pieces like the DT614 table and Corona chair. Ritzwell, another Fukuoka-based furniture maker, blended Japanese craftsmanship with functional design, showcasing the Constantino Armchair by Shinsaku Miyamoto and the MT Coffee Table, alongside new wood color shades Sohbobku and Gen. #MilanDesignWeek #SaloneDelMobile #JapaneseDesign #FurnitureDesign #TextileInnovation #LightingDesign #Craftsmanship #SustainableMaterials #InteriorDesign

Italian furniture brand Pedrali has unveiled a collection of six new furniture designs, marking its 60th anniversary and 34th participation in Salone del Mobile 2023, the world's largest design fair. This launch, part of Milan Design Week, showcases a range of products designed for both residential and contract environments, emphasizing versatility and sustainable practices. The collection features collaborations with Italian and international designers, incorporating diverse materials such as ash, teak, and aluminum, and offering pieces suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. One of the standout designs is the Guinea armchair by Italian studio CMP Design. This outdoor chair, crafted from aluminum with teak armrests, is notable for its lightweight and transparent aesthetic. It offers customization options including a textilene backrest, reminiscent of traditional director's chairs, or aluminum slats covered in fabric for a more classic look. A key feature of the Guinea armchair is its ease of disassembly, facilitating component replacement and recycling. CMP Design also contributed the Lamorisse Wood armchair, an indoor piece made from solid ash wood, ideal for dining spaces or restaurants. This chair combines a slender metal frame with oval-shaped legs that seamlessly integrate with its steam-curved armrests. To enhance durability, the chair's thickness increases at the joints. Comfort is provided by a non-deformable polyurethane foam cushion. Like the Guinea armchair, the Lamorisse Wood is designed for easy disassembly, aiding in maintenance and transportation. The Anemos table, a creation by Pio & Tito Toso, highlights the inherent beauty of concrete. Its design features a simple yet architectural form, appearing both light and stable. The base consists of two gracefully curved concrete shells securely attached to the table's top, evoking a flexible, sinuous structure reminiscent of a membrane and suggesting it was sculpted by the wind. This design supports large tabletops, and the concrete base, available in natural or clay-colored matt finishes, accentuates its material quality. German designer Sebastian Herkner's Blume table introduces a distinctive flower-shaped profile that runs along its entire height. The table is built with a round central base, available in cast iron or steel, and an extruded aluminum column. Its design allows for extensive customization, offering various tops, finishes, and sizes to suit different aesthetic and functional requirements. Andrea Pedrali, paying homage to his grandfather Mario Pedrali who founded the company, designed the Narì armchair. This piece draws inspiration from Pedrali's 1960s forged-iron garden chairs. Its unique legs are fashioned from a double steel tube, hand-forged and bent, giving it a simple and linear appearance. The weather-resistant PVC cover with a nylon core, handcrafted by Italian artisans, narrows at the seat and widens at the top, echoing the fan-shaped backrest of the brand's Serenella armchair. Both the backrest and seat are equipped with polyurethane foam cushions, joined by a zip for practicality. Finally, the Frank table, designed by industrial designer Robin Rizzini, blends industrial materials with architectural forms. Its design features clean lines and subtle curves that contribute to a sense of lightness and contemporary elegance. The table's base is composed of slightly curved, die-cast aluminum with varying thicknesses. The rectangular tabletop has rounded corners and can be customized with different materials and finishes. This collection collectively demonstrates Pedrali's commitment to innovative design, quality craftsmanship, and thoughtful material use as it celebrates six decades in the furniture industry. #Pedrali #SaloneDelMobile #FurnitureDesign #ProductLaunch #Seating #Tables #MilanDesignWeek #IndustrialDesign #DesignAnniversary

The article details a collaborative project between flooring brand Bolon and French architect Jean Nouvel, focusing on an installation at the Stockholm Furniture Fair. The collaboration stemmed from Nouvel's prior use of Bolon flooring in the Musée du Quai Branly in Paris, where he appreciated its hardwearing, tactile qualities, and visual appeal both from a distance and up close. Bolon, on the other hand, sought to challenge traditional perceptions of flooring and explore new artistic applications for their material. The inspiration behind the Stockholm Furniture Fair installation, as explained by Jean Nouvel, was to create a "Bolon universe" composed entirely of floors, devoid of ceilings or walls. This concept aimed to push the boundaries of how flooring material is perceived and used. Nouvel also emphasized the importance of human interaction within the installation, wanting visitors to engage with the material by lying on it or touching it. Initially considering regular mannequins, he humorously decided to use four copies of a sculpture of himself by Xavier Veilhan, noting that architects should seize opportunities for humor amidst the seriousness of their profession. From Bolon's perspective, Nouvel's installation has significantly influenced their future outlook. While currently a 100% flooring company, the project introduced the idea of blurring the lines between different architectural surfaces, such as floors, ceilings, and walls. This has opened up possibilities for future applications of their material, even suggesting the ambitious idea of covering building facades. The installation showcased Bolon's new 'Create' collection, some designs of which feature a unique 3D-effect pattern, further demonstrating the versatility and innovative potential of their products. The discussion highlights the mutual respect and creative synergy between the architect and the brand. Nouvel’s vision transformed a functional material into an immersive artistic experience, while Bolon gained new insights into the potential of their product beyond conventional uses. The collaboration underscores a shared commitment to innovation and artistic expression within the design and architecture industries, encouraging both parties to explore uncharted territories for material application and spatial design. The project serves as a case study for how design thinking can transcend traditional boundaries and inspire future product development. #JeanNouvel #BolonFlooring #StockholmFurnitureFair #ArchitecturalInstallation #DesignInnovation #MaterialApplication #CreativeCollaboration #InteriorDesign #ExhibitionDesign

The article discusses the "Tools for Life" furniture collection designed for Knoll by OMA, the architecture office co-founded by Rem Koolhaas. This collection, which debuted at the Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan, addresses the evolving nature of living and working spaces by offering kinetic and flexible furniture pieces. The collection was first previewed in January at the fall 2013 Prada men’s fashion shows before its official launch at Prada's exhibition space in Milan. Rem Koolhaas articulated his objective for the collection as creating furniture that performs in both precise and unpredictable ways, emphasizing flexibility as a core design principle. A prominent piece within the collection is the "04 Counter," a heavily engineered item comprising three horizontal bars. This piece is designed to stack like a wall but also features pivoting and cantilever mechanisms, allowing it to transform from a room divider into a "piazza," as described by Benjamin Pardo, Knoll’s design director. Pardo noted that the interactive nature of the movable object encourages user engagement. Further exemplifying the collection's flexibility are the "05 Round Table" and the "06 Table." The latter, conceived as an executive desk with a two-layered top, along with the 05 Round Table, can be adjusted in height using an electric mechanism. This feature allows the tables to transition seamlessly from standing height to lounge level, accommodating various activities and preferences. The collection also encompasses a coffee table, seating options, a screen, and a credenza, providing a comprehensive range of adaptable furniture. This furniture collection arrives as Knoll celebrates its 75th anniversary. Benjamin Pardo identifies parallels between OMA’s designs and some of Florence Knoll’s classic pieces, characterizing them as "background pieces that create sub-architecture in an architectural space." However, he primarily views "Tools for Life" as a direct response to contemporary work patterns, stating, "I want to talk about work and not the office... the distinction being that today people work everywhere." This perspective underscores the collection's relevance in an era where the boundaries between professional and personal spaces are increasingly blurred. The article also highlights that the trend towards flexible work and living spaces is a significant theme at the Salone this year. The fair itself is sponsoring an exhibition titled “Project: office for living,” designed by French architect Jean Nouvel. This exhibition will showcase five distinct work environments, ranging from a classic apartment transformed into a cocoon-like workspace to a cityscape of mobile, modular, and stackable flat surfaces designed for versatility. This convergence of design philosophies suggests a shared understanding among leading designers regarding the future of adaptable environments. #Knoll #OMA #RemKoolhaas #FurnitureDesign #FlexibleLiving #SaloneInternazionaleDelMobile #MilanDesignWeek #OfficeForLiving #ModernFurniture