Intel from Milan Design Week and predictions for this month?s design festivities in New York City I?ve got to be honest: This wasn?t Milan?s most cutting-edge year. In 2018 there was enough Big Design Energy to ask some pressing questions of the industry?s most hallowed affair. In 2019, we saw a lot of retreads from previous fairs, and noticed more than a few fairgoers singing the praises of Milan?s architectural attractions rather than the temporary installations occupying the city.
That being said, let?s not get too jaded, shall we" There?s still plenty to discuss, particularly as a lens for what one might expect this month, as New York puts on its springiest design season hat.
Fair intrigue
Typically, the biggest contemporary exhibitors (Poltrona Frau Group, Molteni, B&B Italia) and smaller but mighty brands (Muuto, Emeco) are housed in Halls 16 and 20. This year, it took a half day of getting my steps in to find where some of the big players were hiding: downstairs, in Hall 24. That space was anchored at the back by an absolutely massive B&B Italia Group pavilion encompassing individually built-out experiences for B&B proper, plus Flos and Louis Poulsen (usually found in the every-other-year Euroluce pavilion). Unconfirmed rumor has it that B&B requested more floor space, and thus, a new hall was born around it. Yes, we all love terrazzo
One thing I spied at this year?s Salone included terrazzo as pattern?versus terrazzo, the aggregate st...