This weekend Milan plays host to yet another Design fest – the 2010 Milan Design Weekend, only this time there is a twist. The event is dedicated to those shopping for interior products, art and, to those interested in architecture.  The even dedicated to design, and was established to support companies in the furniture sector, as well as to celebrate Milan as the Italy’s Design Capital.

Competitions

During Milan Design Weekend, there will be a couple of competitions – the catch is that you have to be resident in Italy to enter them.  For the first competition, each showroom will select a product deemed ‘CULT’ that will then be voted for by the public and published in a mini-catalogue online. Some of the ‘Cult” products include the Tolomeo lamp produced by Artemide, the Ribbon stool by Cappellini and the Juicy Salif by Alessi.  Those who have voted will win one of the items selected as a ‘cult’ item – alas this competition is only open to those resident in Italy.

Forming part of the second competition is the ‘Design Card’, available on and offline to be stamped at any of the official points situated around the city. Once the card has been stamped at ten or more events, it can be handed in at one of these info points:

—Piazza S. Babila
—Corso Como
—Largo La Foppa (Lato Princi)
—Piazza Firenze
—Corso Pta Ticinese/Angolo S.Eustorgio
—Largo Cairoli /Ang. Via Dante
—Mondadori Multicenter Vittorio Emanuele
—Mondadori Multicenter Piazza Duomo
—Mondadori Multicenter Via Marghera
—Librerie Rizzoli Galleria, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele

Handing in the Design Card entitles holders to enter a competition to win a trip to Paris for two worth €1,500.

This weekend is essentially a high profile marketing activity aimed at attracting people who wouldn’t normally attend design events such as the main event in the world of Italian design – the annual Salone di Mobile.  The involvement of the principal museums, companies and showrooms in the design weekend, is an attempt to help spread the word on Italian design to a wider audience, albeit a wider audience in Italy.

Companies involved include Alessi, Cappelini, B&B Italia, Driade, Flos, Kartell and many more and the International Festival of Light (LED) event is also participating.

For the less well-heeled, this design-shopping event provides an excellent opportunity get up close and personal with examples of Italian design, an experience which might lead to inspiration, in the event someone is about to redesign his or her house, or office.

ADI Sponsorship

The event is sponsored by the ADI (the prestigious Associazione per il Disegno Industriale), the Institute of Architects, the City Council and the Provincial authorities. The partners are: La Triennale di Milano and BDD – Brera Design District. There will also be tours exploring ‘The Secret Milano’ giving the opportunity to visit architectural gems hidden well off the better-trodden tourist trails. Art exhibitions and collaborations between local and international artists will be displayed throughout the weekend also.

One major highlight of the weekend is the chance to visit the studios of high profile architects. The architects in Milan opening their doors to the public include Michele DeLucchi, Piero Lissoni, David Chipperfield, and Antonio Citterio.

Whilst it may prove impossible to see all of the events on show in one weekend, it is certainly something worthwhile visiting for anyone interested in art, design and architecture and a credit to the city council for getting so many well-known people and institutions on board.

Well worth a look if you are in Milan this weekend.

For more information, as long as you know some Italian, or can use Google Translate, visit: Milano Design Weekend

About Paolo Feroleto

Having a genuine passion for Italian design and design in general, Paolo Feroleto is a designer of Italian origins with over 13 years industry experience obtained from working in mixed discipline studios in the UK and abroad.

Paolo has worked with a range of clients – from small independent retailers, to large blue chip companies, both in the UK and Europe. His projects have included building corporate identity, designing literature, creating stands for exhibitions, as well as devising graphics for retail outlets and websites. Here are some examples from the interiors section of his portfolio: Four Design – Interiors

Paolo also teaches Graphic Design on a part-time basis and has developed creative workshops for use in education and professional environments.

Currently based in the UK, Paolo like to spend his time travelling as much as possible. You can reach Paolo though his company, Four Design.