Mario Cucinella's 3D-Printed 'City of Ideas' Installation Debuts at Milan Design Week
For Milan Design Week, Mario Cucinella Architects unveiled the 'City of Ideas' at via Solferino 28, organized by Corriere della Sera, Living, and Abitare. This installation showcases almost 700 3D-printed components that minimize material usage and waste. At its heart lies a meeting space referred to as 'a square within a square.' The design employs interlocking blocks for efficient construction without waste, shifting from concrete to lighter materials like bioplastics and wood. Notable technologies include cement mortar modules from Heidelberg Materials Italia and polymer parts from Arche 3D. Contributions from companies such as Boero, Mapei, ISA Spa, Surfaces, Artemide, and BT support the project. The exhibit is open from April 20-26, 2026, with free admission and guided tours available by reservation.
Key facts
- The installation 'City of Ideas' by Mario Cucinella Architects debuted at Milan Design Week 2026.
- It is located at via Solferino 28 in Milan, Italy.
- The structure uses 3D printing and comprises nearly 700 modular elements.
- Materials transition from concrete to bioplastics and wood, aiming to reduce waste and emissions.
- The project involves multiple corporate partners including Heidelberg Materials Italia, Erratic, Arche 3D, and Artemide.
- It celebrates the 150th anniversary of Corriere della Sera with historical front pages.
- After the event, blocks will be reused for installations in Milan's squares.
- Mario Cucinella describes it as a 'square within a square' and a metaphor for future cities.
Entities
Artists
- Mario Cucinella
Institutions
- Mario Cucinella Architects
- Corriere della Sera
- Living
- Abitare
- Heidelberg Materials Italia
- Erratic
- Arche 3D
- Gardenia
- Vivaio Central Park
- Lynk & Co
- Daikin
- Boero
- Mapei
- ISA Spa
- Surfaces
- Artemide
- BT
- Marvis
- DHL Express Italia
- Allegrini
Locations
- Milan
- Italy
- via Solferino 28
Sources
- Abitare —