Fuorisalone 2022 promises ruminations ‘Between Space and Time’

The upcoming edition of Fuorisalone, much like its parent event, is designed and themed to highlight ideas and concerns that have recently taken a centre stage, both within and without the design community. Under the larger theme of sustainability heralded by Salone del Mobile.Milano this year, Fuorisalone’s ‘Tra Spazio e Tempo’ or ‘Between Space and Time’ is an invitation to come and reflect on the constant changes that regularly impact us and to determine which of those changes are necessary to move towards an equitable and sustainable tomorrow. Some of the key areas that will be focused on during the event include major issues backlining the design sector like urban transformation, role of circular economy, spread of renewable energy, optimisation of production processes, possibilities of new materials and opportunities posed by web3. “Space and time express two variables useful to evaluate our impact on the planet and plan concrete decisions and actions to design change,” says Paolo Casati, founder of Fuorisalone with respect to the choice of the theme.

Spread over seven days, the event, organised in conjunction with the Milan Design Week, will transform the streets of Milan into an exponent of creative thought and expression. Designers, artists, brands and galleries will showcase their ideas and creations at forums, exhibitions and interactive presentations with the aim to introduce the vision of a utopian society where solutions to extant problems can exist as palpable entities instead of as theories and concepts. Casati expresses the importance of design as an enabler of positive change in these words: “The role of the designer is to help us understand the complexity of reality, designing tools at the service of communities, imagining the relationship between physical and virtual space, in a logic of self sufficient circular design with respect to the criticality of the contemporary,” he shares.

‘Between Space and Time’ as a theme is equal parts intriguing and contemplative. Its initial mention brings to mind a sci-fi visual, managing thus to attract attention and provoke involvement. A deeper dive into its specifications, however, reveals a more grounded and concerning itinerary of extant features, factors and happenings that impact us as a society. Through this theme, an attempt to stimulate introspection amongst the participants and visitors is sought.

The theme for Fuorisalone was envisioned as a direct consequence of the observations pertaining to climate and design that have emerged over the past two years. The collective realisation that we, as a society, do not have enough time to reverse the impact of our actions unless we plan our spaces and activities in a conscious manner, serves both as a leverage and a hope for creatives. The Fuorisalone exposition will thus be dotted with an array of innovative works that, apart from projecting the creativity of their makers, will also serve as innovative offerings posing as examples of change for the betterment of the society.

By declaring the theme of Fuorisalone as ‘Between Space and Time’, which is open-ended and subjective, the event has also managed to attract localised interpretations of space, time and their interconnectedness. This will result in the display of works that pose solutions for specific contexts under the superset of space and time. Fuorisalone has further outlined ten keywords which they intend to integrate as part of their working path. Consequently, their essence will be evidently visible in the final design of the event. These keywords are Quality, Fragility, Culture, Technique, Exploration, Sharing, Care, Protection, Experience and Urgency. By defining the larger theme through these keywords, the organisers attempt to stimulate a more focused response from participants and audiences.

A key highlight of the event is the Fuorisalone Award, which aims to celebrate the best in design. From amongst the several installations and showcases at the event, four from the categories of interaction, sustainability, technology and communication will be awarded. In keeping with the latest trends and offerings, the award will be presented as both a physical version and its corresponding NFT counterpart.

The five districts at the Milan Design Week, namely the Brera Design District, the Tortona District, the Milano Durini Design district, 5VIE Design District and the Isola Design District, will come together in June to accommodate a flurry of hundreds of international designers, several galleries and local artisans across 30 locations at one of Milan’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. While the Brera Design District, with more than 160 events lined up, will explore possible solutions of the challenges faced in today’s day and age, the Tortona District will address similar issues through the central theme of sustainability. Milano Durini Design is designed to promote a participatory environment that can lead to the creation of exclusive products and lifestyles that tend to target audiences and 5VIE Design Week will bring forth a retinue of experiential showcases that aim to project versions of utopias. Isola Design District, under its theme of ‘Together As One’ will host international participants alongside local craftspeople who often go unnoticed.

Some of the long running projects and programmes that will once again return this year in Milan include the Alcova exhibition project conceived by Joseph Grima of Space Caviar and Valentina Ciuffi of Studio Vedèt; the traditional event, Design Variations, which will present a site-specific installation by Olimpia Zagnoli at their new location in the Brera Design District; Masterly- The Dutch in Milan; Cartosa Initiative exhibition project; Baranzate Ateliers; Rossana Orlandi; Triennale Milano; Tortona Rocks: BASE Milano; Superstudio and ID-Exe. Baranzate Ateliers will present exhibitions and events dedicated to collectible design and experimental art, and Triennale Milano will bring alive several permanent installations such as the Museum of Italian Design, Casa Lana, Memphis Milano and Structure and Color. Tortona Rocks, with its IQOS installation, will reiterate its commitment to dabble between art and technology and BASE, with ‘We Will Design’, will open up a space for inclusive experimentation. The ‘ID-Exe’ district, created by Design Open Spaces, will creatively highlight the Fuorisalone theme by presenting events and exhibitions that overcome the limits of space and time.

Amongst the several events that will flaunt the many themes and subjects outlined by the fair and its districts, let’s look at a few special ones in more detail:

1. ‘Floating Forest’ by Timberland and Stefano Boeri Interiors

Timberland, a clothing, shoes and boots brand, has collaborated with Stefano Boeri Interiors to create ‘Floating Forest’, a multi-sensory installation on the waters of the Darsena in Milan that comprises both physical and virtual elements. The event will be made available for viewing both physically and digitally.

2. IKEA at BASE Milano

IKEA will present a rich programme of events and interactive experiences that will help ponder over the evolution of the relationship between people and their homes through the showcase of visionary ideas in the retail sector.

3. La Casa delle Cose (The House of Things) by Casavo

With a key focus on the ever-evolving idea of home in relation to the person who inhabits it and fills its spaces with their essence and things, Casavo has designed an immersive installation that will highlight how empty houses are different from inhabited homes.

4. Ghost Kitchen by Helbiz Kitchen

Helbiz Kitchen will unveil a 2,000 square metre space in the centre of Milan. Touted as ‘Ghost Kitchen’, it will offer a unique and eco-sustainable service using their proven experience in electric mobility.

5. Around Milan on Swapfiets

In an attempt to expose the visitors at the Milan Design Week to the city, Swapfiets, a bike company, will usher people across the most important districts of the city through invigorating installations and exhibitions in order to showcase the essence of the fair.

STIR takes you on a Milanese sojourn! Experience Salone del Mobile and all the design districts - 5vie, Brera, Fuorisalone, Isola, Zona Tortona, and Durini - with us. STIR’s coverage of Milan Design Week 2022, Meanwhile in Milan showcases the best exhibits, moods, studios, events, and folks to look out for. We are also excited to announce our very own STIR press booth at Salone del Mobile - Hall 5/7 S.14, Fiera Milano RHO.