To protect and underline the importance of the portal (a passageway between the past and future), Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola physically surrounded an entryway with a collection of huge, soft cushions. These “Big Bags” are made out of Missoni fabrics and they convey a feeling of comfort.

Nacho Carbonell's “Bush of Iron” was crafted from raw iron using techniques from the beginning of the industrial era. Thousands of prickly (just try touching!) wire spines protect the reinforced iron structure in which a person can be seated – like a giant porcupine!

Almost 2000 extruded polycarbonate modules are combined together in Jacopo Foggini’s project Flysch to convey the impression of a single abstract shape. The composition evokes different images depending on the angle, and the spirit, from which you observe it – it could represent the course of a river, a prehistoric drawing, or an esoteric symbol.

Alessandro and Francesco Mendini sought to interpret the future as linked to tradition. Their “Surface” installation is composed of nine vertical plywood figures decorated with a digital inkjet print. The installation was produced by one of the first Chinese companies to achieve FSC certification.

The communicative force of colours is explored in The Fake Factory installation “Colour Design”. Brightly coloured panels close 13 of the 1st floor eastern loggia, encouraging viewers to look again and find a new approach to everyday vision.

Appearing at first as a simple wooden monolith, Monica Armani‘s “XL Wood” installation features small openings, through which details of the surrounding ancient building can be observed.

To express the importance of each designer’s point of view on the future, Tchoban & Kuznetsov have created the totally mesmerizing installation “Architect’s Eye”. Images of architectural monuments threatened by destruction are projected within a gigantic ocular bulb, symbolized by a smooth steel sphere.

Japanese architect Akihisa Hirata teamed up with Panasonic to create “Photosynthesis”, which was inspired by a future in which man’s creations imitate nature’s systems. A tree of solar panels sends energy to LED flowers scattered in the galleries.

Michele De Lucchi’s “Belvedere” installation offers a place from which to observe and admire beauty. Constructed with waxed black iron and thermo-treated ash wood, the structure is both an object on display and a little island for reflection.

Monica Armani‘s “XL Wood” installation offers a way of looking at the past through the future.

Brodie Neill‘s “Reverb Chair” conveys a strong volumetric presence using a very light structure. A system of intertwined steel rods creates a geometric vortex that gives way to great shadow effects as the light changes.

Marco Vigo’s “Towel-E” is an energy-efficient electric towel warmer emblazoned with bold and brightly coloured shapes that evoke animals or abstract cave paintings.

Nacho Carbonell‘s “Bush of Iron” was crafted from raw iron using techniques from the beginning of the industrial era. Thousands of prickly (just try touching!) wire spines protect the reinforced iron structure in which a person can be seated – like a giant porcupine!

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