New exhibition formats

Flos - Photo by Diego Ravier

Themes around living have always been the subject of research by the Salone, which sees them as crucial spurs for reflection and for developing new ideas and exhibition formats such as S.Project.

The rhythm at which the world changes – in social, value-related and technological terms – also influences every single aspect of design. The interception of current developments, the forecasts of future ones and their narration are of crucial importance when it comes to organising living spaces in an efficient, functional and sustainable manner, while interpreting the needs, the demands and the desires of contemporary society.

Designers these days leverage both micro-architecture and macro-design in a bid to give shape to new living concepts, dreaming up homes that are both age-friendly and inclusive (catering for evolving needs and potentially adapting to age-related demands), that are low environmental impact (using construction technologies and techniques that guarantee zero or near zero net carbon emissions), healthy (promoting health and wellbeing, through access to green spaces and communal sport and relaxation areas, for example), personal and exciting (reflecting our experiences, our tastes and our cultural imagination) and, obviously, technological (because of the increasing prevalence of the IoT [Internet of Things] which transforms private spaces into veritable interactive platforms).

Gloster - Photo by Saverio Lombardi Vallauri

Thus the various strands of home living run comprehensively through the work of the Salone del Mobile.Milano, providing fertile ground for reflection on developing new proposals and exhibition formats worthy of narrating the complexity of contemporary interior design.

This was what, in 2018, led to the birth of S.Project, an all-encompassing and original overview of decorative and technical interior design solutions with a fluid, crosscutting exhibition format for design products. S.Project showcases a wide variety of proposals, ranging from interior and outdoor furniture, to kitchens, the IoT, Smart Home solutions, wellness products, fabrics, lighting, acoustic solutions, coverings and finishes.

Florim - Photo by Saverio Lombardi Vallauri

This particular exhibition space features interior proposals that testify to research into sustainability and into the aesthetic value of designs and products; outdoor spaces that break down the barriers between in and out (terraces are the new extension of living and dining areas) and celebrate our current love of nature with natural and cutting edge materials; kitchens and bathrooms based on innovative concepts that alter the way we behave in them and the associated rituals, and digital technologies that compete to create Smart Homes. There is an enormous choice of materials and coverings: with nanotechnological surfaces and latest generation agglomerates alongside traditional materials such as wood and glass; wallpaper featuring 3D, optical or nature-inspired patterns provide a counterpoint to tactile, textured fabrics (closely-woven rough textiles as well as wool, viscose, silk, cotton, linen, natural and hi-tech fibres that tickle our skin and instil wellbeing). Last, but not least, lighting is becoming even more technological and exciting, changing at a touch and taking on organic or changing forms.