Stories Add to bookmarks Separating and sanitising Text by Marco Romanelli Caimi Brevetti A change of function for screens and dividers that don’t just protect our privacy but become design tools for social distancing. The pandemic has wrought a radical change to our lifestyles. The fact that activities have been brought to a standstill hasn’t meant, however, that reflections on design or more specific thinking around how the sector should tackle the problem have slowed down. Business thinking has focused on matters such as the development of e-commerce, on one hand, and the study of hygiene procedures and easily sanitised materials (glass first and foremost – see Piero Lissoni’s structured internal door Spin collection for Glas Italia), on the other. Sherazade Spin, design by Piero Lissoni, Glas Italia Equally, ways of marking out spaces (screens and dividers) have seen a renaissance, as have ways of ensuring comfortable smart working (small desks, easily accommodated in bedrooms, and chairs that are a cross between office and domestic). Desks include the essential Era model by David Lopez Quincoces for Living Divani, Tucano, designed by Monica Förster for Zanotta, with a steel frame and shaped leather top, and the sophisticated solid wood MO Bridge Small Desk with woven strips conceived by Sinsaku Miyamoto for Ritzwell. Era, design by David Lopez Quincoces, Living Divani A large variety of screens have also been devised during this period, some hugely decorative and some more technical, as well as sound-absorbent (now much-needed, even outside workplaces, thanks to the recent forced domestic co-existence). Caimi Brevetti has always worked with this type of furniture, and has now come up with Sepa Rolls, designed by Sezgin Aksu, steel screens with Snowsound fabric, that can be juxtaposed and are equipped with wheels for easy movement. Philippe Nigro and Manerba are presenting the multifunctional Stem bookcase-divider system that can be fitted with padded elements to create individual phone booths. The back panels can be covered in a fabric of choice to ensure a good level of sound-absorption. Stem System, design by Philippe Nigro, Manerba
Stories 10 designer hotels to stay at during the 2025 Salone In partnership with MiCodmc, a selection of establishments ripe for discovery during the 63rd edition of the Salone del Mobile.Milano, from 8th to 13th April
Stories Italian buildings ripe for rediscovery From Milan to Turin by way of the Island of San Giorgio in Venice. A journey of discovery, taking in unique places that deserve to be visited at least once in a lifetime Serena Scarpello
Stories In memoriam: David Lynch The American director has left us at the age of 78. The Salone del Mobile.Milano had the honor of working with him during its 62nd edition, hosting his immersive installation titled “A Thinking Room”. An extraordinary journey into the depths of the mind and feelings. His vision will continue to be a source of inspiration.
