Nike and Dropcity Launch Permanent Air Lab Research Facility at Milan Design Week 2026
Nike, in collaboration with Dropcity, has introduced NikeAir_Lab, an innovative research incubator and future manufacturing hub dedicated to material science and enhancing athletic performance. This initiative is situated in the historic Magazzini Raccordati tunnels at Via Sammartini 72 in Milan, and it will take place from April 20 to 26, 2026, showcasing a 10,000-square-meter facility slated to open in the fall of 2026. The lab will include robotic arms, thermoforming machines, and 3D-printing technology, featuring the "Air Library" that houses over 100 material samples and prototypes. This venture is part of a twenty-year partnership between Milan and Dropcity, established by Andrea Caputo, aiming to offer subsidized workstations for 300 professionals and promote urban regeneration.
Key facts
- NikeAir_Lab is a collaborative research incubator between Nike and Dropcity
- Located in the Magazzini Raccordati tunnels at Via Sammartini 72, Milan
- Open from April 20 to 26, 2026, with permanent facility opening fall 2026
- Features over 100 material samples and nearly 100 never-before-seen prototypes
- Includes historical artifacts from Frank Rudy and the Department of Nike Archives
- Part of a twenty-year civic agreement between Milan and Dropcity
- Will become a 10,000-square-meter permanent public facility with robotics and 3D-printing
- Aims to provide subsidized workstations for 300 professionals including architects and designers
Entities
Artists
- Andrea Caputo
- Frank Rudy
- Faith Kipyegon
- Lina Ghotmeh
Institutions
- Nike
- Dropcity
- Department of Nike Archives
- Snøhetta
- USM
- Palazzo Litta
Locations
- Milan
- Italy
- Via Sammartini 72
- Magazzini Raccordati
- Milano Centrale