Milan Design Week 2024: Materia Natura and the Human Touch
Milan Design Week 2024, held from April 15 to April 21, reinforced its role as a leading global design event. This year’s theme, “Materia Natura,” examined the relationship between natural elements and materials, focusing on sustainability and the human touch in design. The week-long event, including Salone del Mobile and Fuorisalone, provided a platform for designers, architects, and creatives to showcase work that blends aesthetics with environmental awareness.
The theme “Materia Natura” encouraged a closer look at how natural elements and materials interact in design. It urged designers to make sustainability a core principle, moving from traditional practices to more eco-conscious solutions. The term “natura” prompted reflections on environmental issues, while “materia” encouraged discussions about design innovation and material possibilities. This focus continued from previous years, promoting responsible design that is both visually appealing and environmentally friendly.
Renaissance architecture had a significant impact on the design installations throughout Milan Design Week, serving as both a backdrop and a source of inspiration. The contrast between modern design elements and historic Renaissance buildings highlighted the evolution of design while respecting historical aesthetics. Notable examples included Lasvit’s Glass Wonderland, which transformed the 15th-century Palazzo Isimbardi into a unique glass environment. The modern glass sculptures blended with the palace’s architecture, showing respect for the historical context. Similarly, SAINT-LOUIS showcased its lighting collection in the historic Santa Maria del Carmine church, drawing inspiration from natural elements such as flowers and music. The chandelier designs enhanced the church’s architectural features, creating a visual connection between past and present. Another example was Bagno Diurno, a repurposed 19th-century public bathhouse. The installation combined modern acoustic technologies with the historical structure, offering a blend of historical charm and modern advancements.
The Salone del Mobile Milano, a key part of Milan Design Week, continued to impress with its focus on visionary design and human-centric innovation. This year’s event, adhering to ISO 20121 certification for sustainable event management, explored new spatial dynamics inspired by concentric city designs. This approach aimed to create a more engaging experience for exhibitors and visitors. The Drafting Futures series, curated by Annalisa Rosso, featured discussions with prominent figures such as Pritzker Prize laureates Francis Kéré and John Pawson. Their insights into the evolving nature of architecture and design highlighted how these fields can address future challenges, demonstrating the role of innovative design in shaping our built environment.
Running alongside Salone del Mobile, Fuorisalone transformed Milan’s districts into vibrant showcases of creativity. MIDJ’s exhibition at Opificio 31 featured a range of innovative collections, including Paola Navone’s Bolle collection and Karim Rashid’s Kosmos sofa. Set in an industrial setting, the showcase emphasised sustainability and craftsmanship, using materials like recyclable EPP and designs inspired by racing boat foils. Interactive installations such as Making Sense of Color by Chromasonic and Google offered immersive experiences, while The Art of Dreams by Numen/For Use for Porsche invited visitors into a suspended netted landscape, highlighting the theme of Materia Natura through interactivity and engagement.
Brera Design Week, a staple of Milan Design Week, expanded with over 260 events this year. Focusing on sustainability and material preservation, the events highlighted how design impacts various aspects of life, from fashion to urban living. Notable collaborations with brands like Valcucine and Porsche showcased material innovation and sustainable practices.
The Isola Design Festival grew, presenting over 320 international designers and exploring new locations. The theme, This Future is Currently Unavailable, focused on sustainable and forward-thinking design approaches. Exhibitions and installations highlighted circular design and material innovation, reimagining practices to shape a more eco-conscious future.
5VIE celebrated human connection, cultural diversity, and material sustainability. Inspired by the concept of an orchestra, the event showcased artworks that combined these themes. Highlights included Gunjan Gupta’s Indian Tiny Mega Store and Sara Riccardi’s Oasis of Peace, merging global artistry with sustainable practices in a culturally rich setting.
Milan Design Week 2024 featured several standout exhibits. On the Rocks, a collaboration between Bottega Veneta, Cassina, and Le Corbusier, focused on custom wooden editions of the Tabouret Cabanon, merging fashion and furniture design. Samuel Ross for Kohler presented Formation 02 and Terminal 02, an installation with interconnected industrial pipes and a smart toilet, symbolising the integration of nature and technology. The exhibition Gaetano Pesce: Nice to See You celebrated the late design pioneer with unreleased artworks and an outdoor installation. Nilufar Gallery’s Time Traveler allowed visitors to explore different design eras, showcasing a mix of historic and contemporary pieces. Ma Yansong’s Amazing Walk featured a 7.5-meter-tall pavilion constructed without internal columns, offering a space to connect with nature. Dolce&Gabbana’s GEN D, VOL.2 showcased innovative furniture designs by young talents, while Nicoline Italia highlighted Paolo Colzani’s luxury furniture that blends tradition with modernity.
Milan Design Week 2024 was a significant mix of tradition, innovation, and sustainability. The integration of Renaissance architecture into the design installations enriched the event, providing a context that celebrated both historical significance and modern creativity. Through a diverse array of exhibitions, installations, and discussions, the week highlighted the design community’s commitment to addressing environmental challenges while pushing the boundaries of creativity. Milan Design Week continues to affirm its role as a global design capital, showcasing a future of design full of promise and innovation.
