Milan is gearing up for the 62^nd edition of Salone del Mobile.Milano, the annual design fair that has become synonymous with cutting-edge design, innovation, and global creativity. Scheduled to unfold from 16-21 April 2024, this edition promises an exciting showcase of the latest trends, emerging talents, and immersive installations.

This year holds special significance for Salone del Mobile.Milano as SaloneSatellite, the platform dedicated to nurturing young designers under 35, marks its 25th anniversary. Founded and curated by Marva Griffin Wilshire, SaloneSatellite has been instrumental in launching the careers of numerous design prodigies. The exhibition will spotlight the work of emerging designers from around the world to commemorate this milestone. This will be accompanied by an exhibition delving into the history and impact of SaloneSatellite over the past quarter-century. This comprehensive retelling will be hosted by the Triennale Milano.

EuroCucina, the biennial kitchen exhibition, takes centre stage in 2024, offering a closer look at the intersection of kitchen design and food. With growing concerns around climate change, it is no surprise that EuroCucina will have a special focus on sustainability this year. It will feature live food demonstrations, exhibits showcasing the latest kitchen trends, and a dedicated space exploring eco-friendly product design. Visitors can expect an immersive experience that highlights the role of design in reducing daily water consumption. To further highlight the relationship between kitchen design and food, different ‘food design’ performances will be hosted by international food magazines in collaboration with artists, architects, and chefs throughout the fair. The 'Open Kitchen' pavilion will also be the central act at the fair, with carefully accented lighting design to further enhance the food presentation.

The International Bathroom Exhibition, which will occupy Pavilions 6-10, will do so with a new exhibition layout created by Milanese architecture studio Lombardini22. The new floor plans harness neuroscience to promote user-friendliness. The pavilions will be arranged concentrically, and booths will be facing outward for improved visibility. The redesigned pathways in EuroCucina and the International Bathroom Exhibition aim to optimise visitor flow and enhance the overall experience. The main corridors have been widened keeping in mind the influx of visitors from previous editions. At the same time, the overall length of these corridors has also been shortened, bringing them down to about 600 m instead of 1 km. The layout is also looped to ease the visitor experience. An installation by Accurat will look at the relationship between design, humans, and water. It will also delve into an inquiry of ‘What the ocean will be in 50 years’.

The fair will feature three main installations. The most anticipated of which is the installation of Pavilions 5-7 by acclaimed American filmmaker David Lynch. In line with his films that are known to explore the depth of the subconscious, the interior installation titled Interiors by David Lynch A Thinking Room aims to create a space for introspection and wonder. The installation featuring two identical and mirrored rooms is thought of as symbolic doors that one must enter the immersive installation. The installations that are small in scale are meant to rethink the ideas, perceptions, and feelings influenced by interiors. The installation will require deep interaction and thinking, a metaphysical setting with 'mystery' being one of the keywords for his installations.

Salone del Mobile.Milano is not just a design fair; it's a cultural hub that fosters dialogue and exploration. The programme for 2024 includes a diverse range of initiatives, from large installations to talks and round tables. The Drafting Futures. Conversations about Next Perspectives series curated by Annalisa Rosso will feature prominent figures like Pritzker Prize winner Francis Kéré and legendary designer John Pawson. The Salone del Mobile Library, designed by Formafantasma, will offer a diverse array of international titles, adding another dimension to the cultural experience. Here major stakeholders and figures of relevance are part of the fair and will be asked to pick one of their most valued books. Salone will then try to acquire those to add to this library, the idea is to continue to expand this collection with each edition. Salone del Mobile.Milano president Maria Porro mentioned during a conversation with STIR that her personal choice would be In the Fog of Milan by Bruno Munari.

As the 62^nd edition of Salone del Mobile.Milano approaches, anticipation is high for the convergence of design brilliance, cultural exploration, and innovative discussions. With a rich history of pushing boundaries and shaping the design landscape, Salone del Mobile.Milano 2024 is set to continue its legacy with a showcase of creativity, bringing together designers, architects, and enthusiasts from around the world. This year some visitors will also be provided with bracelets that will monitor their vitals such as heartbeat and temperature. Two restaurants at the fair will be designed by Italian architect Pierro Lissoni. Adding to its sustainability plans this year, the use of cardboard has been strictly banned.

Alongside the fair, the city of Milan will also be activated with various activities. With 28th miart fair from 12 to 14 April and Milan Design Week running concurrent to Salone.

Watch this space for future updates on STIR at Milan Design Week 2024.