MicroD: Independent Design Micro-Salon Opens in Piacenza

From December 7 to 21, 2025, the Roma district of Piacenza hosts microD – microsalone del design indipendente, a diffuse initiative curated by architect Gianmaria Sforza in synergy with Associazione Quartiere Roma. The event transforms the neighborhood into an open-air creative laboratory with installations visible 24/7 in shop windows, workshops, informal meetings, and sensory experiences. Over two weeks, 25 appointments and 60 guests—including designers, experimenters, master artisans, young entrepreneurs, creatives, teachers, and researchers—engage in interdisciplinary and intergenerational activities with an independent perspective. Highlights include an installation at the after-school center Mondo Aperto featuring colorful ecological cardboard furniture by A4ADesign; illustrated posters by Alice Kovawsky on shop doors to invite foreign communities; a design book selection at independent bookstore Fahrenheit 451 in Via Legnano, with used books donated by designers sold at symbolic prices to students; a special auction of design products to raise funds for scholarships for Palestinian students; and a final banquet on December 21 with A/Mano Market in Sant'Ilario. The festival continues until June 2026 with monthly events themed 'independent design' at Rathaus, starting January 13.