Lake Como Design Fair 2019 Adds Architecture Section

The second edition of the Lake Como Design Fair introduces a new architecture section curated by Margherita Ratti and Andreas Kofler, featuring architects as exhibitors rather than visitors. The fair, held from September 20 to 22 at Teatro Sociale and Palazzo del Broletto in Como, Italy, presents works such as sketches, drawings, models, sculptural elements, and "casual masterpieces" like mock-ups and resin fragments. The exhibition avoids traditional stands, organizing objects by type. Ratti, an architect, noted that many colleagues seek to create experimental artifacts outside construction, while architecture increasingly appears in art and design contexts like Art Basel and museum collections. Kofler highlighted that galleries selling architectural artifacts have existed for decades, citing Leo Castelli's 1977 "Architecture I" show and contemporary examples like Aedes in Berlin. Among 27 exhibitors, Bureau Spectacular presents colorful "corner rugs" created with Urban Fabric. Color is the fair's theme, interpreted through material or manipulation. Marco Cappelletti's photograph of the Barolo Chapel, reactivated by Sol LeWitt and David Tremlett, is also featured. The city of Como supports the event, aiming to double last year's 3,000 visitors. Concurrent events include a symposium on Campo Urbano, a 1969 Como event, and an exhibition on Mario Radice.