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Material and nature are two key words in any serious reflection on our future and the future of our planet in terms of design, art, creativity, imagination, and planning. They’re also key components of the next edition of Fuorisalone, an event that extends throughout the heart of the city during Milan Design Week, which this year is taking place April 15–21. As suggested by its theme, the 2024 event will be focusing on circular economies, reuse, and the sustainability of processes and materials, with young people, students, architects, and designers participating to share their perspectives.
With “Materia Natura,” Fuorisalone is inviting people to reflect on the connections between these two spheres, which will be explored in depth through a visual project curated by Nicola Ricciardi and conceived by Andrea Cassi and Michele Versaci (EX), and Giorgio Ferrero (Mybosswas). “Materia Natura” builds on the themes of previous years’ exhibitions – “Forms of Living,” “Between Space and Time,” and “Future Lab” – so as to promote a conscious design culture.
“Fuorisalone is an opportunity for free expression on, and discussion of, the role played by all forms of design,” says Paolo Casati, cofounder and creative director of Studiolabo. “Today design has turned to nature as its most important source of inspiration, recognizing that it’s something we all must take care of. This is what motivated our choice of this year’s theme. By Matera we mean knowledge, education and skill; by Natura we mean space, time, and resources. It’s essential to combine these two dimensions to plan our present and safeguard our future.”
A photographic and audiovisual work entitled POV encapsulates the theme of Fuorisalone 2024. Depicting a log of wood harvested in Val Susa, a block of ice, a block of volcanic rock, a block of marble, and a slab of slate, the work’s five photographs investigate the fragile relationship between humans and the environment. By summarizing the ways we process these natural materials, the images highlight the divide between nature and human intervention. “We explored the relationship between matter and nature and, at the same time, questioned the nature of matter,” say the artists.
Milan’s design districts will again be the stars of Fuorisalone, beginning with Brera, which is expecting similar numbers to last year’s, with over 260 events planned. The Tortona district will have a new look in each of its different areas: Tortona Rocks, Design Week, Superstudio, and Base. Le 5Vie has put together a new edition of Unlimited Design Orchestra that views design from the perspective of collaboration and sharing. Milano Durino Design is focusing on color in its project, while Isola is taking visitors on a journey into sustainability. Stark’s installation at Castello Sforzesco is based on the “Materia Natura” theme. As visitors descend to the Pilastri Room, they’ll step inside a material in transition created by images generated by water with and within the space. This year, Alcova, one of the most popular sections of Fuorisalone, is travelling outside Milan to Villa Borsani and Villa Bagatti Valsecchi in Varedo, where, as always, visitors will be treated to a range of experimental design projects.
This year will see the third Fuorisalone Award, a prize that recognizes the most important installation at the event. Decided by public vote, fifteen projects will compete for the award, all of which can be viewed in a dedicated section of the Fuorisalone.it website, which includes event sheets with descriptions and photos. The selected projects will also compete in four special mention categories: Interaction, Sustainability, Technology, and Communication.
This year marks the 15th Brera Design District event. To celebrate this milestone, the event is aiming to host over 210 events again – the total now stands at 260 – including the 196 permanent showrooms, which include 15 new openings since May 2023.
“Brera Design District is part of the local administration’s plan to fill the streets and neighborhoods of Milan with the energy and creativity of Design Week,” said Alessia Cappello, local councilor for Labor and Economic Development, whose portfolio includes Fashion and Design. Design Week is an opportunity for professionals to showcase their wares and network, while also giving the whole city, including local people and visitors, the chance to discover the art of design in all its forms. Brera Design District has been doing this for several years now, offering a rich program of events, installations, and workshops that reflect the soul of a neighborhood with a unique charm that contributes to Milan’s role as the world capital of design. The district itself has become a unique brand.”
All images courtesy of Fuorisalone
