Salone del Mobile.Milano
“The Salone is now into its 55th year and 2016 edition featured the Salone Internazionale del Mobile along with the International Furnishing Accessories Exhibition, and more than 1,300 exhibitors ranged over 150,000 square metres, split into Classic and Design sections, making for a visitor-friendly floor plan and a 360° insight into the world of furniture and furnishing accessories. The biennial EuroCucina and its collateral exhibition FTK (Technology For the Kitchen) are back, along with the International Bathroom Exhibition.
Quality and figures that confirm the importance and attraction of an event that embodies the best of Italian and international furnishing.”
From over 200 exhibitors occupying over 10,00 m2 of space, I have selected what I would like to call the Top 10 trending design combined with advanced technologies that will break through to the way we perceive space in modern architecture.
1. STUDIO E.O – INDEFINITE VASES
The project is an exploration of the relationship between geometric and organic forms – transparent and opaque. Indefinite melting material interacts with definite angular forms and gravity determines the relationship in between.
2. TOM DIXON STUDIO – CURVE
Geometrical light CURVE pushes the boundaries of thin sheet etched metal fabrication. With its microscopic precision-pierced surface and soft silver nickel coating, CURVE internally reflects and emits a filtered glow of ethereal light.
3. WONDER GLASS – FLOW[T]
‘Flow[T]‘ is a contemporary chandelier inspired by the colours of the Venetian lagoon and customised to the desires of each owner. Each piece enjoys its own shape, and in multiples, they create a sculptural display of lighting.
Material: Blown Glass – Colour: Green, White – Light Fitting: Direct emission, Dimmable
4. APPARATUS STUDIO – CIRCUIT 6
The circuit series creates rythem with the repetition of pure shapes. A glowing glass capsule nets in a brass shade, becoming a contained form that multiplies to construct larger fixtures.
5. KVADRAT – FOREST COMES HOME
Chinese design duo Neri&Hu managed to captivate an essence of Kvadrat with their innovative take on our fair stand design this year by creating a welcoming, yet elegant space with personality and sumptuous colours. Neri&Hu’s use of genuine materials, wooden furniture and warm colours aimed to create an intimate setting, making guests feel at home in the midst of design fair bustle.
6. EDWARD BARBER & JAY OSGERBY – PUZZLE
Puzzle was created by experimenting with simple geometric forms. Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby made a series of physical models, which enabled them to research compositions and develop the exact layout of potential patterns on the tiles. Combining these forms with colour and tone has built a rich and dynamic collection. As one experiments with the patterns, new combinations emerge creating an ever-expanding collection. Combining this with plain, solid coloured tiles varies the scale of the contrast and creates moment of calm within the composition that has been created.
7. KRAM/ EISSHAAR – SMART SLAB
First shown at the Salone del Mobile in April 2016, the SmartSlab TABLE introduces discreet digital devices embedded in a razor thin composite table top.
Circular heating elements are positioned directly beneath guests’ plates, keeping them at a precise temperature of 42.5° C, as specified by critically acclaimed chef Massimo Bottura. Meanwhile, cooling elements are strategically placed along the table to keep champagne bottles perfectly chilled.
7. KRAM/ EISSHAAR – ROBOCHOP
An interactive robotic installation for CODE_n designed by Clemens Weisshaar and Reed Kram.
The ROBOCHOP interface let participants instruct a robotic arm to grab and sculpt a prefabricated 40 x 40 x 40cm durable foam cube using a floor mounted hot wire tool to create the object of their choice. Once manufacturing is complete, each custom object is packaged and posted to the user anywhere in the world entirely free of charge.
Conceptualised, coded and built by KRAM/WEISSHAAR, ROBOCHOP envisions a not so distant future where intelligent systems empower anyone to directly engage with heavy industrial manufacturing technologies. By removing the obstacles and intermediaries in the supply chain anyone can design and produce the exact object they want.
Project website: robochop.com
ROBOCHOP envisions a not so distant future where smart systems empower citizens to directly engage with heavy industrial fabrication technology without obstacles or intermediaries to create the exact item they want.
Using ROBOCHOP internet users around the world as well as visitors on site at CODE_n in Hall 16 during CeBit 2015 in Hanover, Germany were able to design and fabricate a piece of furniture in real time using a web application connected to the ROBOCHOP installation.
ROBOCHOP produced 2,000 blocks during the week of operation at CODE_n 15 in Hanover March 16-20, 2015.
9. VINCENZO DE COTIIS – CHANDELIER
Polished brass neon light part of PROGETTODMESTICO collection the new master work designed by Vincenzo De Cotiss for Fuorisalone Milan Design Week 2016.
10. MICHAEL ANASTASSIDES – THE DOUBLE DREAM OF SPRING
“Double Dram of Spring”, an environmental installation by London based designer Michael Anastassiades. He has conceived an enigmatic environment inspired by the tradition of metaphysical surrealism, creating a complimentary backdrop for his featured ‘spot’ stools and ‘stasis’ tables. both furniture pieces are characterised by a circular top and base, connected by two tubular poles.
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