Exhibit designer Andrea Isola on post-lockdown changes and sustainable setups

Andrea Isola, a Sardinian-born exhibit designer based in Turin, graduated in 2015 from Politecnico di Torino with a degree in Architecture for Sustainable Design. In 2017, he co-founded Startarch, a studio specializing in exhibition design for fairs and art shows across Italy and Europe, serving foundations, galleries, and fair directors such as Affordable Art Fair Milano, Artefiera, and Flashback. In 2019, he launched the hashtag #appuntidiunexhibitdesigner on Instagram to discuss the little-known profession and share behind-the-scenes experiences. Interviewed after the lockdown, Isola reflected on changes in the cultural events sector. He described his work as creative, detailed, and resolutive. During lockdown, he appreciated the initial calm and time to read and research, but missed his pre-lockdown routine. He believes his work will change, with more screen-based meetings and faster design turnaround to convey ideas to clients. He sees designers and architects playing a key role in post-Covid society, from reorganizing shops and commercial spaces to urban maintenance and tourism infrastructure. He criticizes absurd ideas like plexiglass boxes on beaches. Isola is researching sustainable exhibition setups using natural and recycled materials, low-energy lighting, and full or partial recovery of elements.