Kiki Goti's artisanal nod to femininity to inhabit Alcova Villa Borsani at MDW 2025

A Human Touch is an installation by Greek artist, designer and educator Kiki Goti along with the interdisciplinary design studio Office of Tangible Space, that celebrates the dialogue between industry and artistry and its expression through functional objects. By translating historical techniques and references into contemporary design pieces, the two distinct collections—a furniture design series by Office of Tangible Space and a vase collection by Goti—foster a dialogue around the past, present and future of human interaction with craft. The installation will be unveiled at Alcova Villa Borsani for the upcoming edition of Milan Design Week this year.

Graces by Kiki Goti

This series of hand-blown glass vases by Goti is created as an ode to artisanal craftsmanship and femininity. Inspired by the Graces of Greek mythology—goddesses of beauty and creativity—the vases are crafted in Venice using traditional Murano glassmaking techniques. Each piece is envisioned as a female figure adorned with jewellery, where glass embellishment goes beyond ornamentation. It is a tribute to femininity, honouring its complexity and resilience.

By revising traditional Murano glass techniques, the product designer tries to embody femininity's dual nature—both strong and fragile, ethereal and exuberant. "The first layer of each vase, made of clear glass, represents the naked flesh in all its truth and vulnerability. The second layer transforms glass into jewellery—expressive crowns, bracelets and necklaces," the designer based in Brooklyn, New York, explains. "These intricate details highlight how craft and ornamentation can serve as powerful tools for both personal and communal empowerment," she adds.

Osvaldo by Office Tangible Space

Office of Tangible Space will present its Osvaldo collection in partnership with Verso, alongside a selection of its archival pieces. Osvaldo is a collection of furniture pieces inspired by and designed in a site-specific way, for the location where they are now shown—the gallery at the top of the grand staircase at Villa Borsani in Brianza, Italy, outside of Milan. The furniture designers reimagine the space as a reading lounge with displays for Goti's Graces series of vases. The designs are a reflection of the material palette, craft and design ethos of the Villa and beckon visitors to experience the space in a new way.

Office of Tangible Space is known both for spatial design and furniture designs, and the location of Villa Borsani inspired a convergence of the two. Completed in 1945, Villa Borsani represents an era when industry and creativity merged, and a home could become a showcase of the best of craft and contemporary thought. In the Villa's design, Osvaldo Borsani valued craftsmanship, close attention to detail and high standards, and focused heavily on the human touch. The studio hopes to honour the vision of Borsani by interpreting the space through this new collection of product designs.

Keep up with STIR's coverage of Milan Design Week 2025, where we spotlight the most compelling exhibitions, presentations and installations from top studios, designers and brands. Dive into the highlights of Euroluce 2025 and explore all the design districts—Fuorisalone, 5Vie, Brera, Isola, Durini and beyond—alongside the faceted programme of Salone del Mobile.Milano this year.