Milan Design Week 2017 – Installations and Furniture design
With so much to see at the Salone del Mobile and Milan Design Week, this next part is dedicated to innovative brand installations and new furniture designs. There are some insanely creative dimensions where form and function, appearance and substance are revolutionised. And others set a tone of simplicity, serenity and spaciousness through well balanced proportions.
One of Europe’s most important galleries, Rosanna Orlandi has transformed the way to present design art pieces, showing them in real ambiances. Anotherview is an ongoing project that takes place between interior design and video art. Capturing the 24 hours of the day with image and sound starting from midnight and ending at midnight, it is then transferred into a virtual window through a physical drive. The end result of each “Anotherview” is a hyper realistic window that can be installed in any wall or type of room, with or without windows, that will become an integral part of any interior.
The Geometric series from BassamFellows celebrates the sublimity of pure geometry. Pictured above is the dining table and chairs featuring structural support of cold rolled tubular steel frame in combination with leather upholstered cushions. Signature elements of ergonomically shaped seats carved from solid Walnut and a lightweight pellicle skin of Vienna caning create the ultimate relaxed comfort. Attention to detail in the rest of the collection including their Daybed, demonstrates the linearity and architectural craftsmanship inherent to their values. As Dana points out, it’s a total work of art.
Another one of Dana’s favourite releases at Salone del Mobile was the Grand Sofà by Antonio Citterio for Vitra. It is an interpretation of luxurious comfort and contemporary design, highlighting elegance and Italian’s flair for lightness. Natural materials such as linen, wool, solid wood and genuine stone are important elements in the Vitra Home Collection. The installation focused on the furnishings, which visitors could try on site. Featuring a graceful silhouette, the clean lines and geometric forms of the generously dimensioned sofa create a spacious platform for sitting or reclining.
At Palazzo Clerici, Dutch collective Envisions playfully explored the possibilities of one material by Spanish MDF manufacturer Finisa. They unveiled their collective experimental collaboration where emphasis was not on a finished product but on the possibilities uncovered along the way. The message to take away is that experimentation is the key to innovation and taking the path less travelled can lead to unhindered imaginations and endless creativity. It’s obvious why this installation was at the top of Dana’s list, it certainly didn’t disappoint.
Frankfurt based furniture label e15, has exceeded itself with the extravagant “Kazimir” table by Philipp Mainzer, featuring a bold mix of geometric forms and materials. With such magnificent piece, inspired by the Russian Suprematists, its power coated frame and solid European oak or walnut top allow for various interpretations in lengths up to 3.6 meters. Boasting a distinct construction and generous seating, the attention to detail in the “raw” version even exposes the brushed natural edges of the tree.
A carefully curated apartment to explore the way people translate spaces into a home. In Dana’s words, this Carl Hansen installation was a knockout. With set design and styling from Despina Curtis, each room was designed for real everyday life. Design principles reflect the adaptability and functionality of modern life with the soul and heart that can sometimes be left behind but not here. Captured above is the study – a place to open your mind and reflect, using the leather seating area for relaxation and decompression.
For more detailed stories and other discoveries from their week in Milan head over to Yellowtrace site at www.yellowtrace.com.au
