Nike opens permanent Air Lab at Milan's Dropcity with industrial robots
At Milan design week, Nike introduced the Air Lab at Dropcity, a design facility established in 2024 by architect Andrea Caputo in the derelict tunnels behind Milan Central Station. This lab is equipped with industrial robots and machinery for developing prototypes. The NikeAir_Lab exhibition highlighted nearly 100 prototypes featuring Nike Air technology, such as Air Liquid Max and Therma-FIT Air Milano, emphasizing air as a design element. An Air Archives section displayed previously unseen experiments by Frank Rudy, the creator of Nike Air. Movement classes were conducted by Nike trainer Joe Holder. Starting in autumn 2026, Nike's equipment will be accessible alongside Dropcity's resources for diverse design processes. Dropcity, which includes workstations, galleries, and workshops, operates under a 20-year lease.
Key facts
- Nike opened Air Lab at Dropcity in Milan during Milan design week
- Air Lab is a permanent addition to Dropcity, launched in 2024 by Andrea Caputo
- Dropcity occupies 15 abandoned warehouse tunnels behind Milan Central Station
- The lab features industrial-grade robots, thermoforming machines, and pneumatic cylinder kits
- Preview exhibition NikeAir_Lab showcased nearly 100 prototypes including Air Liquid Max, FlyWeb, Radical AirFlow, and Therma-FIT Air Milano
- Air Archives section featured experiments by Frank Rudy, inventor of Nike Air technology
- Activities included movement classes with Joe Holder and listening sessions by Club to Club with inflatable structure from Vasto gallery
- Nike equipment will be available from autumn 2026 alongside Dropcity's other facilities
Entities
Artists
- Andrea Caputo
- Martin Lotti
- Frank Rudy
- Joe Holder
- Faith Kipyegon
- Lina Ghotmeh
Institutions
- Nike
- Dropcity
- Club to Club
- Vasto
- Dezeen
- Department of Nike Archives
- Snøhetta
- USM
- Palazzo Litta
Locations
- Milan
- Italy
- Milan Central Station
- New York
- Barcelona
- Via Sammartini 72
- Magazzini Raccordati
- Milano Centrale
Sources
- Dezeen —
- urdesignmag —