Porta Venezia Design District returns with the theme ‘EverythinK is design’

As Milan Design Week 2024 comes close, anticipation and excitement for design enthusiasts worldwide rise. At the forefront of this annual design event is the Porta Venezia Design District. From April 15 to 21, 2024, this district will be abuzz with a captivating array of exhibitions, installations, and activities that showcase the very best of contemporary design. Inspired by the words of graphic design icon Paul Rand, the theme for the design festival this year is ‘EverythinK is design.’ The district promises to be a melting pot of creativity, inclusivity, and a forward-thinking design philosophy.

At the heart of the Porta Venezia Design District's ethos is a commitment to showcasing emerging talent and new trends in the design world. The district serves as a platform for young designers who are pushing boundaries and exploring new avenues of creativity. Collaborations with institutions like Raffles Milano and independent media outlet Outpump underscore the district's dedication to providing a diverse range of perspectives and ideas. From exhibitions interpreting current affairs to design installations reinterpreting historical landmarks, it promises to be a dynamic and thought-provoking experience.

Carlo Barbarossa, Creative Director Marketing and Communications, Porta Venezia Design District, says, "In Porta Venezia history meets the future. Research continues in the identification of innovative expressive codes, contamination made possible thanks to the inclusive language of design. The involvement of MEET Digital Culture Center—the first International Center for Art and Digital Culture born in Milan with the support of Fondazione Cariplo and the International Design Institute Raffles Milano, reveals a constant tension towards change and the exploration of new design scenarios, demonstrating that design is never just a story of objects, but rather of thoughts and people. This year Porta Venezia is a creative factory, whose main actors are young designers who interpret a complex cultural evolution. The schools generate an accumulation of ideas, research, signs, processes and new connections, places where an anarchist logic emerges, a primitive, irrational energy, which the district intends to enhance and preserve. At the origin of an experience, there is always something to learn, rather than to teach. We are structuring a project that aims to redesign an area of Milan. Reading a place with the practice of placemaking has allowed us to re-imagine a public space through the participatory action of the realities present on the territory, using the chameleon language of design to combine infinite ideas and definitions, expressions of a cultural change."

Historical landmarks and architectural treasures serve as the backdrop for many of the district's exhibitions and installations, adding a layer of depth and context to the design narrative. The reopening of the historic Piscina Cozzi, a symbol of Milan's cultural heritage, offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of past and present. Similarly, the Biblioteca Venezia becomes a canvas for Mara Bragagnolo's innovative Nook project, demonstrating the seamless integration of history and modernity within the district.

Technological innovation takes centre stage at MEET, the focal point of the Porta Venezia Design District. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in interactive installations that blur the lines between physical and digital realms. MONOTILE's Momentum epitomises this fusion, offering an immersive experience that challenges perceptions of space and interaction. From digital art to traditional design principles, MEET fosters a dialogue between the past and the future, inviting visitors to engage with cutting-edge technology in unexpected ways.

Sustainability and environmental consciousness, amidst being global concerns, are central themes woven throughout the district's offerings. Projects like Johanna Seelemann's Micrographia and Lasvit's Re/Creation showcase innovative approaches to design that prioritise the well-being of the planet. Lasvit's monumental installation highlights the brand's commitment to sustainable glassmaking techniques, while Micrographia aims to support biodiversity through thoughtful design interventions. From sustainable design solutions to eco-conscious manufacturing techniques, the district champions design practices that put the health of the planet first.

Collaboration and cross-disciplinary exchange are fundamental to the Porta Venezia Design District's ethos, fostering a sense of community and mutual inspiration among designers and creatives. Collectives like Capsule Plaza and the Government of the Generalitat of Catalonia bring together professionals from diverse creative fields, celebrating the richness and diversity of global design culture. Exhibitions celebrating Asian culture and dialogues on identity underscore the district's dedication to inclusivity and diversity, offering visitors a cross-cultural dialogue that transcends geographical boundaries.

"The contemporary city is no longer just a collection of architectural boxes, but an experiential, passable and transformable territory. The quality of a place depends on what animates it and the social fabric that characterises it. Re-functionalisation of space thanks to design: this is the goal we have with the project Porta Venezia Design District, we want to focus on the enhancement of spaces, reinterpreting them to offer more services, not only to insiders and external visitors but also—and above all—to those who live daily in the neighbourhood. The city can be considered as a flexible system that records in real time the changing demand, and it is to that question that we must listen to be able to bring value within a neighbourhood like Porta Venezia that has its own strong and recognized identity," mentions Enzo Perego, Relationship Manager Porta Venezia Design District.

As visitors navigate the district's myriad exhibitions and installations, they will have the opportunity to reflect on the role of design in shaping our world. Thought-provoking installations challenge viewers to consider the built environment as a narrative waiting to be told, while innovative design interventions offer a glimpse into the future of design. Through curated experiences and immersive installations, the Porta Venezia Design District is set to offer visitors a captivating journey through the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary design.

With Porta Venezia Design District leading the way, Milan Design Week 2024 promises to be an immersive and inspiring experience for attendees. From its dedication to emerging talent and new trends to its commitment to sustainability and inclusivity, the district embodies the spirit of innovation and creativity that defines the contemporary design landscape. As visitors explore its streets and venues, they are most likely to encounter a vibrant tapestry of ideas, perspectives, and possibilities, reaffirming Milan's status as a global hub for design excellence.

Stay tuned with STIR's coverage of Milan Design Week 2024 which showcases the best of exhibitions, studios, designers, installations, brands and events to look out for. Explore EuroCucina and all the design districts—Fuorisalone, 5vie Design Week, Isola Design Week, Brera Design District and Porta Venezia Design District.