Not Just Design. The Challenge of Salone del Mobile 2023

15/02/2023 - Salone del Mobile.Milano returns to Fiera Milano Rho from 18 to 23 April 2023. The official press presentation of all the news about the 61st edition of the historic Milan event dedicated to the furnishing sector took place this morning at the Franco Parenti Theatre. The event was live-streamed globally.

The challenge for the next edition of the Salone del Mobile lies in re-thinking the nature of the trade fair in general, starting with the new "ring-shaped" Euroluce layout. The President of Salone del Mobile, Maria Porro, described the layout as a "grand laboratory of ideas" anticipating a possible future evolution of the trade fair format.
The "booth-centric" approach will give way to a circular route focused on the visitor experience.

This new concept will also apply to the Furniture and Interiors Exhibit, which, for the 2023 edition, will be held on a single exhibition level; the upper levels exhibitors (8-12, 16-20)  will relocate to the lower levels to simplify the visitor experience.

And the ultimate ambition: focusing on interdisciplinary content to enhance the visitor experience. In short, not just design but, in the words of Maria Porro, "a story of design-related disciplines, to provide an in-depth look at what determines consumer choices".

What's new for Salone del Mobile Milan 2023

The choices that characterise this year's renewed edition of Salone del Mobile are the result of important research conducted by the fair structure, which studied exhibitor and visitor needs through 2,300 interviews and thematic discussion groups. Hence the idea of organising the fair on a single level and an almost "urbanism-oriented" approach to the pavilions.

The most substantial focus regards Euroluce, which, after a four-year hiatus, returns in 2023 with a different approach from the past. This year, the exhibit explores the lighting fixture as a design object, including technology and the relationship between light and the environment. The narrative is not only commercial but, above all, cultural, with four themed exhibitions, a conference area, a bookshop and refreshment areas. The exhibition concept centres on the visitor experience in terms of content and the new layout redesigned by the Lombardini22 studio to ensure better connections between the four pavilions, simplifying the visitor experience. "Our project," - Juri Franzosi, general manager of Lombardini 22, said at the press conference - "starts with the individual and invites us to reinvent relationships between space and people. Using parametric technology, we designed the pavilions as if they were streets in a village".
 
"We redesigned the circulation," adds Maria Porro, "integrating the brand spaces with interdisciplinary content addressing the relationships of light with architecture, art and science".

Cultural events at Salone del Mobile 2023

Beppe Finessi will curate the interdisciplinary content of Salone del Mobile 2023. He has previewed a "polycentric approach that puts the street back at the centre in a sweeping project of different genres and disciplines", but above all, "involves numerous professionals, mostly women".
 
Hélène Binet's solo photography exhibition, curated by Massimo Curzi, will explore the relationship between natural light and architecture. "We need light to see objects," - said Hélène Binet at the press conference - but light needs us to be perceived (through the object as a vector)". At the heart of the Biennale is Aurore, an installation designed by Formafantasma and conceived as a large arena for immersive and reflective experiences and a venue for various talks. "Aurore is a video-immersive installation - explains Simone Farresin, co-founder of Formafantasma - that looks at light as a product and as a natural phenomenon and thinks about light in an expansive way".
 
"We imagined a modular installation of wood and paper – poor, natural, but recyclable and reusable materials. We tried to be as elegant as possible for the bookshop conceived as a cultural garrison (and not as a commercial space) where visitors can find Corraini's volumes".

Formafantasma will also design the twelve constellations. These architectural interludes will house contemporary artworks in an exhibition curated by Finessi. "Through contemporary art - explains Finessi - the authors will show us other ways of making light. These interludes allow the frenzied visitor to stop and explore these special works".
 
This year's Salone will result from a "choral effort" aimed at offering interdisciplinary and experiential content - from architecture to photography and art - in exhibitions, talks, workshops and site-specific installations.

The Salone Satellite 2023

The Salone Satellite also reveals a strong focus on new talent. Curated by Marva Griffin and located in the Euroluce pavilions (13-15), it will address the subject of 'Design Schools - Universities / BUILDING THE (IM)POSSIBLE. Process, Progress, Practice'. More than 550 designers from 27 schools and universities in 12 countries were asked, "Where is design headed?" The special exhibition 'Sate-light. 1998-2022 SaloneSatellite Young Designers" will present a large number of lamps designed by young people who have taken part in the various editions of the SaloneSatellite over the years and that have gone into production thanks to the collaboration of the many companies that backed these promising young designers.
 
Finally, Gaetano Pesce will be a special guest of the Salone Satellite, invited to share his long career with the young talents.

Salone del Mobile.Milano 2023: dates and times

Dates of Salone del Mobile 2023:
18/23 April 2023
Hours: 9.30 am - 6.30 pm
 
Exhibition for industry operators.
 
Open to the public: 22 and 23 April
Student visits: 21, 22 and 23 April

Milan Fairgrounds, Rho.
Entrance: South Gate, East Gate, West Gate
 
Exhibitions:
HELENE BINET. Nature, Time and Architecture, curated by Massimo Curzi - Exhibition design: Massimo Curzi
FIAT BULB. The Edison syndrome, curated by Martina Sanzarello - Exhibition design: Martina Sanzarello
Albe. Lights of Tomorrow, curated by Matteo Pirola - Exhibition design: From outer Space
Interno Notte. Artifici luminosi, curated by Michele Calzavara - Exhibition design: Berfu Bengisu Goren
Constellations, curated by Beppe Finessi - Exhibition design: Formafantasma
 
Salone del Mobile. Milan 2023: Tickets
Visitors can register and buy tickets online only. The operator category includes architects and designers, buyers, interior designers, distributors and retailers, exporters and importers, facility managers, and general contractors.

Special purchasing procedures will be in place for travel agencies, operator groups, and students (for organised and individual visits).

The pre-sale service for the 2023 edition is not yet active. More information on the pre-sale launch, ticket types and costs will be available shortly.