The new version of Salone del Mobile.Milano Arena, designed by Formafantasma, will host a packed palimpsest of Talks and Round Tables on cross-cutting topics, not just to help understand the present, but also to imagine the future. The protagonists, some of the most brilliant figures on the contemporary scene, from Pritzker Prize-winner Francis Kéré to John Pawson.
Following the success of the previous edition, ensured by luminaries such as Shigeru Ban, Nao Tamura, Snøhetta and MAD Architects, the 2024 edition of Talks and Round Tables boast a packed cultural palimpsest. Entitled Drafting Futures. Conversations about Next Perspectives, and curated by Annalisa Rosso, the event is designed to spark reflection on our shared opportunities and responsibilities towards a future that is already present. As well as being the leading business event for the furnishing industry, the Salone del Mobile has become over the years an unmissable cultural benchmark, conscious of the fact that meeting face-to-face and exchanging wideranging points of view are opportunities for growth, with cross-cutting and farreaching virtuous repercussions. Split into two different formats, with the Talks (in the morning) and the Round Tables (in the afternoon), the programme will feature some of the most interesting figures in international design, demonstrating that project, design and architecture are not just capable of understanding and analysing the present, but especially of imagining the future, opening up new possibilities and exploring the possible, activating intuition and imagination. This is something we can learn from Hans Ulrich Obrist, who will converse with our president, Maria Porro in The Infinite Conversations: opportunities for dialogue, meetings between excellent thinkers and the free flow of ideas are all crucial drivers of evolution and knowledge.The afternoon Round Table events will be devoted to discussions between authoritative voices on crucial issues for design and architecture, such as the relationship between sailing and design – in collaboration with the Genoa International Boat Show – the use of artificial intelligence and the latest developments in the hospitality industry. The venue for this packed programme will be the Drafting Futures Arena designed by Formafantasma, reusing the seating from the previous edition, entirely covered with carpet printed with abstract designs, its pattern reminiscent of the doodles we make while thinking hard or while on the telephone. The Arena will also host the launch of the new Salone del Mobile Library project, with a selection of books suggested by the speakers themselves – including those at the last edition – delivering inspiration for the future.
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Salone del Mobile.Milano | 16-21 April 2024
Salone del Mobile Milano (salonemilano.it)
Talks 2024
Drafting Futures. Conversations about Next Perspectives
Curated by Annalisa Rosso
Drafting Futures Arena, Pavilion 14
Wednesday 17th April
11 am, in English
Francis Kéré in conversation with Giulia Ricci
A meeting devoted to the practice of the architect Francis Kéré, the first African winner of the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2022, characterised by a profound sensitivity towards sustainability and social inclusion. A demonstration of the way in which architecture can become a powerful tool for addressing global challenges such as access to drinking water and the promotion of education. In conversation with the architect Giulia Ricci, journalist on Domus.
Thursday 18th April
11 am, in English
John Pawson in conversation with Deyan Sudjic
Two excellent speakers discuss the role of architecture and the deeper meaning of contemporary design from their own perspectives: the architect John Pawson, appointed a Commander of the British Empire for services to design and architecture, and the architect, author, curator and critic Deyan Sudjic, Director Emeritus of London’s Design Museum and a member of the Order of the British Empire.
Friday 19th April
11 am, in English
Jeanne Gang in in conversation with Johanna Agerman RossOne of the most authoritative names in architecture, Jeanne Gang is known for her projects that focus on creating connections between people, their communities and nature. Together with Johanna Agerman Ross, Chief Curator of the Design Museum in London, she will discuss how we can achieve a deeper recognition of the cultural and environmental value of the existing building heritage, as well as expand it in order to give our communities beauty and new opportunities. There will also be space for a reflection on Gang’s latest book, The Art of Architectural Grafting, which details her work and research as a founding member of Studio Gang and Professor in Practice at the Harvard Graduate School of Design, showing how the horticultural technique of grafting can be a source of inspiration for a new paradigm of sustainable design.
Saturday 20th April
11 am, in English
Maria Porro in conversation with Hans Ulrich Obrist A conversation around the new perspectives of design between Maria Porro, President of the Salone del Mobile.Milano, and Hans Ulrich Obrist, Artistic Director of London’s Serpentine, and one of the most influential art curators in the world. An opportuning to explore the challenges and opportunities that will define the near future, from the standpoints of two authoritative figures in architecture and design. Book signings with the authors Bookshop Corraini Mobile, Padiglione 14 12.15 pm after the Talks
Thursday 18th April
John Pawson: Making Life Simpler
by Deyan Sudjic with John Pawson
Friday 19th April
The Art of Architectural Grafting
by Jeanne Gang
Saturday 20th April
Remember to Dream!: 100 Artists, 100 Notes
by Hans Ulrich Obrist
Round Tables 2024
Drafting Futures. Conversations about Next Perspectives
Curated by Annalisa Rosso
Drafting Futures Arena, Pavilion 14
Tuesday 16th April
4 pm, in Italian
Yachting and Design. Made in Italy’s positive influence
In collaboration with the Genoa International Boat Show, designers and companies will discuss the increasingly crucial role of design in the development of the shipbuilding industry.
Panel
Adam D. Tihany
Designer, Tihany Product Design
Chiara Massarani
Architect, Senior Project Director, ACPV ARCHITECTS Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel
Stefano de Vivo
Chief Commercial Officer, Ferretti Group and Managing Director, Wally
Francesca Attuoni
Head of Interior Design, Baglietto
Sergio Buttiglieri
Style Director, Sanlorenzo
Moderator
Luisa Bocchietto
Architect, Member of the Steering Committee of the Design Innovation Award, Genoa
International Boat Show
Wednesday 17th April
4 pm, in English
Form Follows Formulation: Maria Cristina Didero in conversation with Aesop
The meeting explores how Aesop’s design and customer experience principles are reflected in the way the company formulates its products, alongside some of the people who have helped shape Aesop’s unconventional vision.
Panel
Suzanne Santos
Chief Customer Officer, Aesop
Marianne Lardilleux
Press
Director of Global Store Design, Aesop
Jean-Philippe Bonnefoi
Head of Retail Design Europe, Aesop
Moderator
Maria Cristina Didero
Author and Design Curator
Thursday 18th April
4 pm, in Italian
The furniture sector, a Made in Italy excellence: strategic investments and
competitive advantages for the international development of the supply chain.
Curated by Intesa Sanpaolo
After a two-year period of strong growth, the furniture industry has come out of a complex 2023, with exports remaining at high levels, compared with the historical average, especially in some districts. Sustainability and investments are strategic drivers for the international development of the sector, where design, sustainable innovation, creativity and quality make it a Made in Italy excellence. Following an overview of the overall scenario within the sector, a number of companies and startups will share their growth paths. Finally, ideas and tools will be suggested to support the competitive advantages and international development of the supply chain.
Panel
Anna Roscio
Executive Director, Sales & Marketing Imprese Intesa Sanpaolo
Stefania Trenti
Head of Industry & Local Economies Research, Intesa Sanpaolo
Giorgio Castagno
Founder, Wave
Stefania Lazzaroni
General Manager, Altagamma Foundation
Ludovica Serafini e Roberto Palomba
Architects and Designers, Founders of Studio Palomba Serafini
Friday 19th April
4 pm, in English
New Shapes of Hospitality
An event dedicated to a rapidly evolving sector, on the look-out for new opportunities and markets to develop. A meeting between the clients of large hotel groups and international designers.
Panel
Wu Bin
Designer and Founder, W.DESIGN
Davide Angeli
Deputy Managing Director, AMDL CIRCLE
Andrea Obertello
General Manager, Four Seasons Hotel Milan
Antonio Ducceschi
Chief Commercial Officer, Starhotels Group
Press
Moderator
Lauren Grace Morris
Head of Digital, FRAME
Saturday 20th April
4 pm, in English
The Present and Future of Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI): Everyone is talking about it, and if the hype surrounding it is to be believed, very few aspects of life will remain immune to it. Governments are careful to be vigilant about the possible harms that derive from its use, and the EU recently passed the first regulation on the subject, the AI Act. With the infinite potential of AI, which is already able to analyse data like never before and create architectural masterplans based on written prompts, the design world will certainly not be spared from these momentous changes. We will discuss the significance of AI for the disciplines of architecture and design and try to understand whether it will be just another tool at the service of the sector or if it can potentially have a much broader and disruptive impact.
Panel
Paolo Ciuccarelli
Director, Center for Design, Northeastern University, Boston, Founder, DensityDesign Lab,
Milan Polytechnic University
Sherif Tarabishy
Associate Partner, Foster + Partners
Hannes Koch and Florian Ortkrass
Artistic Directors and Co-founders, Random International
Moderator
Ed Stocker
Europe’s Editor at Large, Monocle