In an ever-changing world, where we face challenges both big and small, what does happiness look like in design? This year, during Milan Design Week from April 7 – 13, 2025, Superstudio Più celebrated its 25th anniversary by posing this question to its guests, transforming its space into an exploration of what it means to embed joy into the objects, spaces and experiences that surround us. What began as a commercial gathering for industry professionals has evolved into a dynamic, inclusive festival that now attracts curious visitors, families, students and creatives alike. From its origins in Via Tortona, Superstudio Più has become synonymous with the design week in Milan, Italy; an event now known for its vibrancy, international flair and, most importantly, its spirit of joy.

This year, the theme of Happiness was at the forefront of the exhibition. Beyond just objects and furniture, the festival brought a sense of delight and optimism, becoming a platform that blends the best of design with entertainment, culture and sustainability. This joyful theme was explored through a variety of installations and experiences, ranging from high-tech automotive displays to immersive art pieces that connected people with nature and creativity.

Happiness, a term that evokes optimism and beauty, has taken on new significance in the context of current global challenges: post-pandemic recovery, economic crises, geopolitical shifts and environmental concerns. In such times, the notion of happiness, however fleeting, is more vital than ever. It is embedded in the products and installations showcased at the show, where participants were invited to express how happiness can manifest in design. The theme was symbolised through a radiant yellow that adorned the space, chosen by art director Giulio Cappellini, and through an exclusive logo designed by graphic artist Daniele Cima, with each letter of the word ‘happiness’ acting as a small, individual work of art.

The design festival was more than just an exhibition—it was a celebration of both Italian and global craftsmanship, a thank you to the makers who have been integral to Superstudio Più's success over the past 25 years. The space featured unforgettable works from Italian designers, who returned to share their innovations once again with the public, each piece contributing to a collective experience of joy. STIR presents some of the standout creations that defined this year’s celebration.

 A-Un installation by Lexus focused on the intersection between humans and machines, specifically looking at how next-generation electric vehicles can foster seamless interactions with their drivers. Produced in collaboration with Lexus, a Tokyo-based creative agency called SIX and a design studio called STUDEO, A-Un is inspired by the Japanese concept of Aun no Kokyu, which translates to the synchrony of breathing. The design installation invited visitors to engage in an interactive experience where their heartbeats synced with the sounds of nature, forming the shape of a ‘Black Butterfly’; a metaphor for perfect harmony between humans and machines.

Alongside this, the automotive design brand also introduced Discover Together, a project that brought together three emerging creators who explored the potential of their electric vehicle cockpit interface. This project focused on co-creation and the chemistry that develops between creators and technology, showcasing how human and machine interactions can evolve into something more intuitive and meaningful.

Forum8’s Empowering Happiness Through Web 4.0 installation expanded the theme of happiness into the digital realm. With cutting-edge technology, it offered a futuristic look at how immersive systems can transform our environments. Visitors could explore 3d graphics, AI tools and even venture on a virtual journey to the Moon. By integrating Digital Twin technology, AI and the metaverse, Forum8 showcased how design can bridge the gap between the physical and digital worlds, providing solutions that prioritise safety, security and digital transformation.

Among other diverse installations, water-based designs stood out for their thoughtful engagement with nature and sustainability. Geberit’s Where Water Meets Design offered an immersive journey into water’s power and beauty, featuring tactile structures and AI-generated content that evoked its raw essence. The experience concluded with a showcase of their innovative products presented through holographic displays that emphasised the fusion of design, functionality and sustainability. Another highlight was the Amore Ocean bench by SLIDE, a simple yet powerful statement on environmental responsibility. Crafted from recycled plastic recovered from oceans, it combined practical design with a meaningful message about preserving natural resources.

The event also featured discussions about design’s role in shaping happiness, such as the panel Good Design and Architecture Create Happiness, which explored the connection between space, design and emotional well-being. Forum8's space became a hub for creative dialogue, fostering interactions between visitors and thought leaders in the design and technology industries.

In a captivating blend of art, design and graphic communication, Cima’s Artphabetable project examined the boundary between these disciplines. The project featured a low table made of small canvases, each letter of the alphabet highlighted with unique colour combinations and a particular type of design. The work asked: Is the creator an artist, designer or something in between? It embodied the concept of joy through modern design, inviting viewers to consider the intersections of creativity and function in new ways.

The exhibition also welcomed the work of Italian painter Mao Sagao, whose Facades – Order in Chaos explored the balance between order and chaos in urban spaces. Using masking techniques and acrylic paints, Sagao’s work engaged with repetition and patterns, creating a visual language that oscillated between control and instability. His pieces reflected the dynamic nature of contemporary cities, where order often masks underlying uncertainty.

Italian artist Carla Tolomeo’s Tree of Life was another notable piece that captured the theme of renewal and interconnectedness. Inspired by Jorge Luis Borges's Fantastic Zoology (1983), the textile artist created a stunning, three-dimensional installation that took on the form of a tree, adorned with fabric leaves, fruits and creatures. This work, previously shown at the 2024 Venice Biennale, was a metaphor for life itself: a continuous process of growth, decay and rebirth. The installation invited visitors to reflect on the cyclical nature of existence and the importance of connection to the natural world.

Artist Mattia Biagi’s collaboration with Flying Flea and Royal Enfield gave birth to Motototem, a sculpture created from a racing motorcycle. This piece explored the intersection of art and mobility, celebrating the creativity, innovation and sustainability that are at the core of modern design. Motototem was not just a representation of artistic expression, it was a powerful statement about the future of transportation design, where mobility and sustainability converge.

As Superstudio Più marked its 25th anniversary, it revealed how design serves as a conduit for optimism and resilience. Through its joyful installations and forward-thinking collaborations, the event offered more than a glimpse into the future of design; it became a reflection of how creativity can address complex realities while inspiring hope. This year’s theme underscored design’s role in shaping not just spaces and objects, but emotions and connections that define our lives.

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.