Joseph Grima on Atelier Clerici's Fourth Edition at Palazzo Clerici

Atelier Clerici returns to Palazzo Clerici in Milan for its fourth edition during Salone del Mobile 2017, from April 4 to 9. The project, initiated by Joseph Grima in 2012 when he was director of Domus, began as an open-source design exhibition that unexpectedly drew over 2,000 visitors. After a last-minute second edition in 2014, funded partly by Nike, the event evolved into a free, open platform for experimental design beyond commercial production. This year's participants include Z33 (with projects by Mario Minale), Offprint, Teresa van Dongen, and Space Caviar, which also debuts a new lamp series inspired by Shenzhen's electronics market. Eindhoven Design Academy joins for the first time with a show. The central courtyard hosts Matera 2019's Open Design School, a fab lab for self-production that will create all installations for the European Capital of Culture celebrations. Grima emphasizes the event's foundation on personal networks and informal relationships, avoiding strict themes to allow unexpected synergies. Atelier Clerici positions design as a democratizing, politically engaged force outside market logic.