In this second installment of our European design odyssey, we delve into the artistry of Milan Design Week and Salone Del Mobile 2023, pulling back the curtain on Europe's leading design brands.

BY HOW. GROUP

PUBLISHED May 25, 2023

A Voyage Through Europe’s Design Innovations: From the Art of Modular Furniture to Sustainability-Driven Concepts

Transcending boundaries, we not only explore Milan but also share insights from our encounters with foremost supplier partners from the wider European scene. Our focus is on dissecting the visions, pioneering ideas, and forward-thinking ethos of these brands that are setting the tone for the design industry's future.

Markant: Engineering Space through Modularity

Our first stop took us to the Netherlands, into the creative universe of Markant - a trailblazer in the world of modular furniture. The Dutch design giant's approach to combining different orientations and colors to transform spaces stood as a testament to their inventive spirit. Amid the global shift towards more flexible and multi-purpose environments, Markant’s creative solutions offer valuable insights for designers looking to harness modularity for their spaces.

Fantoni: The Panoramic Vision

As we stepped into the Salone Del Mobile, we were treated to the unveiling of Fantoni's latest collection, 'Panorama.' Born out of a collaborative effort with Ben Van Berkel and UNStudio, Panorama epitomizes a sustainable and human-focused design philosophy. The collection's unique blend of aesthetics, inspired by mountain landscapes and constructed from 100% recycled wood, casts a fresh perspective on the workspace of the future. With diverse elements promoting learning, focus, collaboration, and socialization, Panorama serves as a blueprint for the evolving needs of today's hybrid workforces.

Actiu: A Beacon of Sustainability

In sunny Spain, we visited Actiu Technology Park, a beacon of sustainability in the design landscape. The highlight of their offering was the Fluit chair, a manifestation of Actiu's 360° circular economy philosophy, offering affordability, style, and environmental consciousness. An extensive solar panel installation crowning the factory roof further amplifies Actiu's commitment to a sustainable future, demonstrating how eco-conscious design can be seamlessly integrated into our built environment.

Pedrali: The Harmony of Indoor and Outdoor Aesthetics

In their showcase, Pedrali showed their proficiency in blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor design. Their furniture collection, bursting with vibrant colors and plush textiles, showcased a harmonious meld of comfort and aesthetics. The eco-friendly Lamorisse chair, in particular, stood out, presenting a new direction in outdoor aesthetics. With their #PedraliBacktoNature campaign, they eloquently exhibited a vision of the future, where indoor and outdoor spaces converge seamlessly, setting a refreshing trend in the design of living and leisure spaces.

Poltrona Frau: The Art of Adaptability

Our expedition rounded off at Poltrona Frau's showroom during Design Week, where the unveiling of the innovative Bay System took center stage. A brainchild of Foster + Partners, this flexible seating system redefines adaptability, proving to be an ideal fit for diverse spatial configurations such as waiting areas in transport infrastructures. Poltrona Frau’s designs encapsulate the essence of modern design—resilient, adaptable, and human-centric—leaving no doubt about their dedication to providing enriching spatial experiences.

Closing Thoughts

Our exploration of Salone Del Mobile 2023 and broader European design tour have unveiled a riveting narrative of a dynamic design landscape. The expedition has accentuated the value of modular design, sustainability, the synthesis of indoor and outdoor aesthetics, and flexible seating solutions in sculpting the future of the design industry. As we forge ahead in our design journey, these insights offer an invaluable perspective on the trends and innovations steering the design world into the future.