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Salone De Mobile.Milano 2023 presented itself as an opportunity for Glas Italia to showcase the results of its ongoing research and innovation on the expressive potential of glass. Breaking through the most typical aesthetic canons associated with this material, the showcase expressed its multifaceted nature. Remarkably modern and contemporary works of art that interact with the environment and other furniture pieces were showcased owing to their exquisite colour palettes paired with a spectacular blend of reflection and transparency effects.
New pieces by Patricia Urquiola were a stark example of Glas Italia's vision, where cast glass in various iridescent or mirroring shades created optical illusions and altered the viewer's perspective, or in Nendo's ironic use of heterogeneous materials in his containers where wood appeared to be enchantedly floating on water. These new additions to the furniture collection, along with the latest creations by Jean Nouvel, Piero Lissoni, and Yabu Pushelberg, were featured in the 400-square-metre Salone 2023 booth. The designs were presented in environments that were tastefully enclosed by Piero Lissoni's Aladin and Sherazade doors and partition systems, which were articulated in their signatory design and aesthetic nuances. The concept was further enhanced by the edition of the new Sherazade Folding doors with a book folding system, created to meet the demands of contemporary interior design efficiently. Last but not least, a section of the booth was set aside to commemorate the two most recent works by Ettore Sottsass: Shibam, an iconic mirror sculpture with a strong personality, and Gli Specchi di Dioniso, a collection of six small jewels with a multi-chromatic frame made entirely by hand.
CC, Doble and Robotin collection by Patricia Urquiola
The CC coffee table is a collection of low tables with a wooden structure, completely covered by a mosaic of cast glass tiles in various and random colours. Innovative laminated and glued glass is chosen to craft the Doble low tables and consoles which gives life to extraordinary optical illusions and wonderful surreal effects. In contrast, the Robotin low tables, consoles and storage furniture are created from a special double-sided mirrored glass, with a decorative pattern made from round transparent marks, simulating a perforated metal sheet.
Maestrale mirror and Sherazade folding door by Piero Lissoni
The Maestrale mirrors are created from a single sheet of extra light or blue glass, slightly undulating at both ends and hand-silvered, simulating the fluttering of a drape or the surface of a liquid moved by delicate waves. The undulating reflected images are distorted in an unexpected way, whilst the perfectly flat area in the centre guarantees a faithful reflection and functional use. The Sherazade folding door is a pair of doors hinged together, with a book folding, which slides and bends at the opening, wrapping close to the wall. The door is characterised by great elegance and attention to detail.
Ami-Verre bookcase by Jean Nouvel
The Ami-Verre bookcase is an exceptionally formal bookcase built from 10 mm thick thermo-welded smoked or extra-light glass, with no joints or superfluous structural components. A single modular component can be freely rotated and put side by side while maintaining the alignment of the shelves and allowing for countless permutations.
Drift storage units by Nendo
Nendo has crafted a storage unit with a variety of sliding-door storage pieces constructed from extra-clear, tempered, UV-bonded glass that has been acid-etched. A black oak storage box is divided into two parts and attached to the furniture so that one rests on top and the other is kept inside. The result is a solid mass that appears to partially emerge from a liquid and float there. Aluminium profiles with a natural anodized finish support the sliding doors, and the silvered glass foundation of the furniture emits light.
Ollie coffee table and bookcase by Yabu Pushelberg
Ollie, the name, immediately conjures up an image of playfulness. It stands tall with one visual line leading into a pattern of boxes that twist and turn at right angles, displaying charm and grace. It veers to form a circle in its own reflection with a hint of mischief. It has an unrestricted quality that is uncommon in a bookshelf's typology. The Ollie display shelf gives any room, big or small, like an entryway, a heroic presence. It can serve as a mirror, a place to put your keys or a sculptural stand for small houseplants. The coffee table is comprised of a 12 mm extra-clear glass plate with a polished shiny edge, curved 180 degrees and chemically tempered. An ‘L’ shape element in the double-sided mirror, positioned on the base, acts as a support for books and emphasises the curved glass.
Glas Italia’s showcase at Salone de Mobile 2023 proved that glass is a versatile material that can be employed for various applications. One of the key advantages of glass—creating a sense of lightness and openness—is highlighted in all the furniture designs that were on display, satiating Glas Italia’s goal.
STIR’s coverage of Milan Design Week 2023 showcases the best exhibitions, studios, designers, installations, brands, and special projects to look out for. Explore Euroluce 2023 and all the design districts—5Vie Art and Design, Brera Design District, Fuorisalone, Isola Design District, Tortona District, and Milano Design District—with us.
Text by Ria Jha
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