‘Momentum’ by Stark at Salone 2022 explored scientific and human time relations

The historic Brera design and arts district has always been one of the central hubs of Fuorisalone, celebrating design and creativity at its core. For every edition of Salone del Mobile.Milano, it becomes a hub of creative energy and exchange, welcoming not just designers, but lovers of design, art, writers, educators, and students as well as the general public for the globally revered Mecca of design. Fuorisalone’s theme 'Between Space and Time' was abetted by Brera’s 'Designing the Present, Choosing the Future', where installations, exhibitions and showrooms came alive "to shape an idea of the future that can create a new balance between man and nature."

Conceived inside the Acquario Civico di Milano within the Brera district in Milan, Stark’s immersive installation Momentum aimed to display the shared effects of humanity’s actions on the environment, encouraging the user to relate and reflect upon this issue under these themes that fuse design and futurism. Stark, a leading company in producing multimedia installations and interactive experiences created a magical, visual and experiential space, relaying the relationship between marked or 'scientific' time, which is "unstoppable", and perceived "human" time that is actionable.

"In the last two years, spatial and temporal perceptions have changed drastically and the experience of one's present, past, and future has been stretched and confused, with a progressive loss of reference points, becoming more uncertain. This indeterminacy that characterises the new everyday life is accompanied by environmental and climatic changes. These are often minimised and neglected because they are perceived as slower and more gradual than the real speed with which changes occur and they are unpredictable. The work will allow people to live a shared experience told by light and sound, in which they will be able to mix the relationship between the marked time, which inexorably advances, and the perceived time, upon which it is possible to act," shares Brera and the Stark design team.

Bordering on the chaotic, Momentum came alive in amplified, exasperated movements with the help of choreographed light and sound, the colour palette reminiscent of bright ocean hues. Drops of light, akin to glittering droplets of water, dance and dim, repeating indefinite times, each instant separated from the other to adopt an almost trance-like setting. The flowing nature of Momentum also talks about raising awareness on issues related to the protection of the seas and oceans, that are endangered due to the ill effects caused by climate change.

These mesmerising drops keep adding up, forming the time of science, "a time in which it is not possible to intervene," they continue. The work encourages visitors to contemplate the actions performed by each of us, relating to space and time, and realise how interfering with it transforms it. Momentum also formed part of the Ocean Week Milano schedule, as “an appointment to raise awareness of the general public on issues related to the blue economy, the protection of the seas and oceans, on virtuous behaviours related to this natural heritage,” the design team relays.

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.

(Text by Navisha Sogani, intern at STIRworld)