In preparation for Milan Design Week, we’re highlighting a few noteworthy exhibitions you’ll want to add to your agenda. Think tiles and earthenware, SOLIDIFIED – a platform for young talents testing materials –, and innovations in wood.
Milan Design Week 2024 is poised to ignite the imagination and redefine the boundaries of design excellence. As anticipation mounts for this prestigious event, designers, artisans, and enthusiasts from around the globe eagerly await the unveiling of groundbreaking innovations and timeless masterpieces. From the intricate beauty of tiles and earthenware to the solidity of curated exhibitions and the natural elegance of wood, this year’s showcase promises to be a celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and the enduring power of design.
Tiles and Earthenware: The Timeless Elegance of Craftsmanship
Milan Design Week 2024 promises a captivating journey through the realms of design, with tiles and earthenware taking center stage. Fornace Brion, renowned for its artisanal cotto production, teams up with the visionary Snøhetta and design maestro Cristina Celestino to unveil a groundbreaking collaboration. Rooted in tradition yet embracing contemporary aesthetics, this exhibition promises to showcase the alchemy of water, earth, and fire, crafting pieces that transcend time.
Meanwhile, Japanese tile manufacturer Danto will introduce Alternative Artefacts Danto (A.a. Danto) to the global stage, fusing centuries-old tile traditions with modern design sensibilities. Led by the acclaimed India Mahdavi and Teruhiro Yanagihara Studio, this collection breathes new life into the ancient craft, offering a dialogue between past and present that captivates the imagination.
SOLIDIFIED: Celebrating the Essence of Materiality with Young Talents
SOLIDIFIED, curated by Connecting the Dots, invites visitors to explore a world where materiality takes center stage. Featuring works by esteemed designers such as Rive Roshan, Rick Tegelaar, and Umut Yamac, this exhibition promises to captivate the senses and inspire wonder.
Amidst a rapidly evolving digital landscape, SOLIDIFIED offers a respite—a celebration of ‘realness’ in a world of fleeting moments. From innovative applications to meticulous craftsmanship, each piece tells a story of resilience and permanence, connecting visitors with the tangible in an increasingly intangible world. From intricate sculptures to functional marvels, every piece in the exhibition highlights the enduring power of materiality. As visitors traverse the exhibition space, they will be treated to a symphony of textures, colors, and forms—a testament to the boundless creativity of the human spirit.
It’s more than a collection of objects—it is a testament to the vision and passion of its curator, David Heldt. Through his expert curation, Heldt has crafted an experience that will offer visitors a rare opportunity to connect with the soul of design. His collaboration with Isola, the dynamic design platform at the forefront of emerging talent, adds an extra layer of depth to the exhibition. By synergizing his expertise with Isola’s dedication to promoting visionary creators, Heldt ensures that SOLIDIFIED transcends conventional showcases, offering visitors a curated experience that not only celebrates craftsmanship but also champions the voices of tomorrow’s design luminaries.
Wood: Embracing Nature’s Elegance
During Milan Design Week 2024, the spotlight will shine on the timeless allure of wood, with industry leaders ALPI and the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) leading the charge.
ALPI, renowned for its groundbreaking approach to wood veneers, unveils a mesmerizing array of new collections at the Salone del Mobile and the ALPI showroom. Collaborating with esteemed designers such as GamFratesi, Konstantin Grcic, and Piero Lissoni, ALPI once again reinvents wood in captivating new forms. Inside a stand conceptualized by Piero Lissoni—a masterful composition of soft, undulating volumes and curved geometric shapes—ALPI will showcase products that exemplify the versatility and design possibilities of wood. Among the upcoming highlights is the ALPI Xilo Ice Frisé, a veneer that meticulously reproduces the tightly curled wood grain of figured maple. Rooted in a meticulous study of natural wood and a commitment to environmental sustainability, this collection underscores ALPI’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of wood craftsmanship.
ALPI Xilo Ice Frisé, a veneer that meticulously reproduces the tightly curled wood grain of figured maple
Meanwhile, AHEC will exhibit its creative collaborations, reaffirming its position as a driving force in the world of sustainable hardwoods. Commissioning emerging talents Giles Tettey Nartey and Parti, AHEC explores the untapped potential of maple—a hardwood prized for its delicate color and fine grain. At the Triennale’s ‘Class of ’24’ exhibition by Wallpaper*, visitors will be treated to a diverse showcase of maple creations. Giles Tettey Nartey, drawing inspiration from his Ghanaian roots, will present ‘Communion‘—a communal table designed for the preparation of fufu, a West African staple food. Infused with cultural symbolism and functional elegance, Nartey’s creation exemplifies the transformative power of design in everyday rituals. In contrast, Parti will unveil ‘Pirouette‘—a sculptural furniture series that pushes the boundaries of CNC technology to evoke the fluidity of fabric in motion. Collaborating with Jan Hendzel Studio, Parti will demonstrate the transformative potential of maple, weaving together innovation and tradition in a seamless union.
As Milan Design Week 2024 unfolds, the collaboration between ALPI and AHEC will serve as a testament to the enduring allure of wood—a material that continues to inspire and captivate designers and enthusiasts alike.
