OfficinaBASE: A Milanese Design Lab for Learning by Doing
OfficinaBASE, a multifunctional workshop in Milan's former Ansaldo complex, offers a year-round learning environment for aspiring designers and makers. Founded in 2017 within BASE (via Bergognone 34) by Alfred von Escher and Raffaella Guidobono, the lab promotes multidisciplinarity through shared equipment and continuous exchange of knowledge. During Milan Design Week 2019, it hosted workshops applying the learning-by-doing approach, with eight stations (four for metal and wood, four for experimental practices) guided by resident artisans. A new intellectual space, UN-learn/RE-learn, encouraged reimagining future learning processes. Highlights included: 'RE_DESIGN and A. I.' curated by Italo Rota with Marco Cadioli, exploring AI's perception of design objects; 'CASTELLI IN ARIA' by Super, the applied arts school of Castello Sforzesco, featuring board game creation led by Spartaco Albertarelli; 'UN-LEARN/RE-LEARN/RE-ACT' by Cittadellarte – Fondazione Pistoletto, transforming protests into concrete actions; and Andrea de Chirico's global network promoting local production. The event ran until April 14, 2019.
Key facts
- OfficinaBASE is a 'bank of doing' open to aspiring designers and makers.
- Founded in 2017 within BASE in Milan's ex-Ansaldo area.
- Directed by Alfred von Escher and Raffaella Guidobono.
- Project manager Giulia Cugnasca described it as a 'learning machine'.
- During Design Week, eight workshop stations were set up: four for metal/wood, four for experimental practices.
- UN-learn/RE-learn interactive path aimed to imagine innovative learning futures.
- Exhibition 'RE_DESIGN and A. I.' curated by Italo Rota with Marco Cadioli showed AI's view of design objects.
- Super school presented 'CASTELLI IN ARIA' board game workshop with Spartaco Albertarelli.
- Cittadellarte – Fondazione Pistoletto hosted 'UN-LEARN/RE-LEARN/RE-ACT' space for participatory democracy.
- Andrea de Chirico presented a global network for local production.
- Event ran until April 14, 2019 at via Bergognone 34, Milan.
Entities
Artists
- Alfred von Escher
- Raffaella Guidobono
- Giulia Cugnasca
- Italo Rota
- Marco Cadioli
- Spartaco Albertarelli
- Andrea de Chirico
- Alessandra Quattordio
Institutions
- OfficinaBASE
- BASE Milano
- Artribune
- Castello Sforzesco
- Super
- Cittadellarte – Fondazione Pistoletto
Locations
- Milan
- Italy
- via Bergognone 34
- ex Ansaldo
- Bolzano