As Milan Design Week kicks into high gear, the Tortona district becomes a vibrant nucleus for creativity and innovation. Tortona Design Week unfolds as an expansive canvas that encompasses various expository projects within the district’s vibrant landscape. Among these, Tortona Rocks, Superstudio, and Base stand out as key contributors, collectively forming a dynamic ecosystem that celebrates the transformative power of design. Sustainability, technology, and craftsmanship serve as guiding principles throughout this year’s Tortona Design Week, shaping a journey that invites visitors to explore the intersection of tradition and innovation. The introduction of the Walk of Design across the district's iconic spots enhances the immersive experience, offering a blend of indoor and outdoor exhibitions.

At Tortona Design Week, Tortona Rocks asserts itself as a pivotal incubator for fresh design expressions, embracing ecological responsibility and promoting traditional craftsmanship. In the vibrant Fuorisalone, alongside the post-modern tapestry of the district, this platform echoes with new sounds, thriving on diversity and dynamism. Here, traditional boundaries are pushed, and new horizons are explored as designers, architects, and creatives come together to innovate. This year’s edition marks the return of signature furniture design, showcasing international companies that blur the lines between tradition, research and contemporary aesthetics.

The ninth edition of Tortona Rocks embraces the concept of a prelude, which is an ode to the evolving landscape of design. Echoing the words of American composer John Cage, this prelude embodies an experimental attitude where the result cannot be foreseen. The design event's hybridisation of disciplines, appropriation of unorthodox elements, and embrace of new technologies create a captivating juxtaposition between design and music. As visitors immerse themselves in the myriad exhibitions and installations, they bear witness to a transformative moment akin to a tuning stage that challenges conventional codes and perspectives.

As processes and materials evolve, driven by both technological advancements and societal demands, this event serves as a platform for dialogue on pressing issues. From artificial intelligence to environmental responsibility, the design festival echoes the anticipation of a future shaped by exploration and ethical care. STIR offers a sneak peek into what’s happening at Tortona Rocks 2024.

Inspiring dreams, Igniting creativity

At the forefront of Tortona Rocks stands IKEA's 1st exhibition, a captivating exploration of the universal experience of moving into a first home. Nestled within the historic Padiglione Visconti in Via Tortona 58, the design exhibition explores the varied “first times” people experience when they move into their first home, from setting up a kitchen to creating a cosy living space, with a focus on the new generations. Designed by architect Midori Hasuike and spatial designer Emerzon, the immersive installation narrates the unique stories of leaving home for the first time. Visitors are transported into a world of inspiration and creativity, showcasing IKEA's latest product innovations and offering a glimpse into the future of home design.

A tribute to the vitality of water

Archiproducts Milano presents Aqua, a captivating project at Via Tortona 31 that pays tribute to the indispensable role of water in our lives. Following the success of Terra, Archiproducts and Studiopepe continue their collaboration with a new immersive project. Through a mesmerising interplay of light and shadow on water surfaces, the installation creates a poignant atmosphere symbolising the dynamic nature of this elemental force. Aqua delves into the integration of furniture with forms and materials inspired by water, offering a fresh perspective on interior design that resonates with tranquillity and harmony.

A symphony of light and sound

Preciosa Lighting presents Crystal Beat II, a contemporary design installation celebrating the legacy of Bohemian crystal that fuses artisanal craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. Designed by Michael Vasku and Andreas Klug, Crystal Beat II invites visitors to embark on a fascinating journey of rhythms and sparkling lights, where music and light come together. From dazzling chandeliers to interactive light installations, Preciosa Lighting showcases the power of light to evoke emotion and inspire awe.

Whimsical fusion of colour and creativity

The NOROO Group unveils Hong Chul Wonderland, a whimsical project inspired by the vibrant colours of South Korean entertainer Ro Hong Chul. Collaborating with visionary Spanish artist Okuda San Miguel, NOROO Group transforms the facade of Officina 31 into a kaleidoscope of colours, creating a unique work of art that celebrates the company's new visions and trends. Through a playful exploration of colour and creativity, this wonderland immerses visitors in an alternate dimension where imagination knows no bounds.

Redefining beauty through solar energy

Sun Appeal, a Swiss company, champions the integration of solar energy into architectural design to redefine the interaction between sunlight and buildings, aiming for an aesthetic experience. Their collaborative effort with SUPSI, the solar pavilion Building with the Sun, serves as proof of the design potential of solar technology, transforming solar panels into elements of beauty and poetry. Embracing sustainability, Sun Appeal bridges the gap between tradition and innovation, merging nature with cutting-edge technology. By infusing solar panels with both functionality and elegance, they pave the way for a new standard of architectural beauty.

Promoting circular economy projects

IQOS invites visitors to explore its Lounge, dedicated to informing the community about its circular economy projects. Through installations showcasing the brand's recycling initiatives and presentations of its premium used products, IQOS highlights its commitment to environmental responsibility. As visitors engage with the Lounge's interactive displays and learn about the brand's sustainability efforts, they are inspired to join the movement towards a more sustainable future.

A gateway to spiritual reflection

The Prism invites visitors on an emotional journey through interactive art. Featuring hypnotic works that blur the lines between art and design, this project explores spiritual dimensions and universal archetypes. Through physical forms and reflective surfaces, The Prism encourages viewers to rediscover their authentic selves and engage in a dialogue between individual and universal consciousness.

Inspiring designs from natural aesthetics

Corian® Design presents Nature's Canvas showcasing a range of colours and visual cues inspired by nature. From breathtaking cliffs to tranquil vegetation, the immersive experience offers a glimpse into the design practice’s latest looks enhanced by nature's refined aesthetic suggestions. Through monochrome paintings and sculptural forms, the design installation inspires visitors to explore the versatility of Corian® surfaces and reimagine interior design with a touch of natural beauty.

A showcase of signature styles

At Tortona Rocks, the spotlight shines on signature furniture from international and Italian brands, blending traditional influences with contemporary innovation. Opificio 31 hosts a diverse lineup featuring FROMM’s Ottoman Dream collection which merges Doha and Milan aesthetics. Meanwhile, Black Tie by Pier Luigi Frighetto stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Italian craftsmanship, offering pieces like the romantic Sebastian sofa and the texturally rich Nilo coffee tables, each exuding timeless elegance.

The celebration of Italy's design heritage doesn't end there. Venture further into the exhibition space to explore more brands such as Smania and Tonin Casa, each showcasing their interpretation of luxury and elegance. Smania unveils the DADO collection, a reinterpretation of its iconic bedroom pieces designed by Giuseppe Viganò, while Tonin Casa presents a crafted collection featuring iconic designs like the Tenso Orione Couture table and the luxurious Olympia seat.

Redefining ecological furniture

Debuting at the Design fair, Before Vintage presents a collection of quality, eco-conscious furniture crafted from reclaimed wood. This Japanese brand pays homage to ancestral craftsmanship while breathing new life into 'waste' wood, offering durable pieces with timeless appeal.

MIDJ: Collaborative Excellence in Design

Collaborating with internationally acclaimed furniture designers such as Paola Navone, Karim Rashid, and Nicola Bonriposi, MIDJ unveils a new furniture collection that showcases the brand's commitment to design innovation and excellence. From chairs and tables to small armchairs and lighting fixtures, MIDJ's collection embodies the perfect balance of style, functionality, and Italian craftsmanship.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of Design Week, Tortona Rocks captures attention as a centre of inspiration and innovation. From captivating installations to thought-provoking exhibits, this design event invites visitors to explore the intersection of art, technology, and design in a truly immersive way.

Stay tuned to 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.