Top and Flop of Milan Design Week 2021: Supersalone and Fuorisalone Reviewed
The 2021 Milan Design Week, which included the Supersalone and Fuorisalone, signified a revival after the pandemic, featuring around one-third of the typical events but with enhanced quality. The Supersalone took place in September and introduced QR codes for product details along with a vertical design, highlighting Molteni&C's airplane-themed exhibit by Ron Gilad and Gio Ponti's Round D.154.5 armchair. The Lost Graduation Show showcased thesis work from leading design schools, while independent designers were represented in the Makers Show. Alcova occupied three buildings at the former Baggio Military Hospital, including a project by India Mahdavi. Marcin Rusak presented a solo exhibition at Spazio Ordet that focused on decay. Permanent installations featured Toiletpaper's Be Water mural. Coordination issues and the loss of iconic venues posed challenges.
Key facts
- Milan Design Week 2021 had about one-third of usual events but higher average quality.
- Supersalone used QR codes for product info and aimed to become carbon neutral.
- Molteni&C's stand by Ron Gilad featured Gio Ponti's Round D.154.5 armchair from 1954.
- The Lost Graduation Show showcased thesis projects from top design schools worldwide.
- Alcova took place at the former Baggio Military Hospital with three buildings.
- India Mahdavi worked with HEAD Geneva students on a Korova Milk Bar interior.
- Marcin Rusak's exhibition at Spazio Ordet focused on decay and ephemerality.
- Toiletpaper's Be Water mural at Piscina Cozzi will remain until September 2022.
- Belgium Is Design produced the film The Object Becomes by Alexandre Humbert.
- Antonio Aricò presented his Moooi collection via Instagram stories.
- Garage Sanremo was demolished before the pandemic; Cova lab replaced by real estate.
- The Fuorisalone's center shifted westward, leaving eastern Milan underserved.
Entities
Artists
- Ron Gilad
- Gio Ponti
- India Mahdavi
- Marcin Rusak
- Federica Sala
- Maurizio Cattelan
- Pierpaolo Ferrari
- Vittorio Gregotti
- Antonio Aricò
- Alexandre Humbert
- Giovanna Massoni
- Barnabe Fillon
- Kaspar Hamacher
Institutions
- Salone del Mobile
- FederlegnoArredo
- La Triennale di Milano
- HEAD Geneva
- Spazio Ordet
- Molteni&C
- Moooi
- Belgium Is Design
- Toiletpaper
- Piscina Cozzi
- Teatro Arcimboldi
- Castello di Rivoli
- MARNI
- Artribune
Locations
- Milan
- Italy
- Baggio
- Geneva
- Switzerland
- Garage Sanremo
- via Zecca Vecchia
- NoLo
- via Popoli Uniti
- Lambrate