Salone del Mobile, Milan’s annual trade fair, is back in action for its 62nd edition, taking place from 16 to 21 April. President Maria Porro speaks with excitement as she anticipates the guest of honour: “David Lynch is curating an installation inside the Salone, titled Interiors,” says Porro. “A visual short circuit between interior design and interiority.”
This year marks the 25th anniversary of SaloneSatellite—the platform focused on young designers under 35 and launched the careers of countless design stars—and the return of the kitchen (EuroCucina) and bathroom (Salone Internazionale del Bagno) biennials, which have been relocated near the main entrance; for the Salone enthusiasts, a geographical revolution. Themed “Where Design Evolves”, the Milanese fair has continued its work on the optimized layout, which began last year with the concentric pathways to Euroluce (the lighting biennial): “The new approach this year can be experienced in both the biennales but also in some of the main pavilions.” Every day in EuroCucina, the lighting will vary according to the food prepared by food design studios, while Bagno will include a surprising immersive water-saving project.
Architects and neuroscientists collaborated to re-design the floor plans, explains Porro, and the Salone del Mobile.Milano app will help visitors to find the right stand. Companies will also be able to use their spaces for invitation-only events within the fair, so Milanese nights will no longer be partial to the city centre.
The innovations, Porro hopes, will entice the increasing number of Indian design devotees: “India, thanks to its history, craftsmanship, great designers and architects of the past, and current talents, has a lot of say and impact in this industry. Not to mention the companies represented at the Salone, each with stunning capabilities and an authentic voice.”