Stories of design excellence

Stories of design excellence

29.09.2015

Icons of Excellence Made in Italy

curator Massimiliano Caviasca 

Abitare il Tempo highlights the work of three Italian design icons in three areas dedicated to Made in Italy. They are located in the galleries between Halls 6/7, the gallery in Hall 9 and the gallery between Halls 11/12. 

Alessandro Mendini, Michele De Lucchi and Luca Scacchetti are internationally renowned Italian designers. Their stories are told through iconic objects in their design careers. Many features are shared by these designers: strong relationships with the production world, research into the suitability of materials, knowledge of manufacturing technologies and design always at the service of real needs, without ever overlooking cultural aspects. 

The Proust armchair, designed by Mendini and customized for Abitare il Tempo in 2005, perfectly interprets the excellence of Italian craftsmanship. The concept of customisation through transposition of forms recalls the great tradition of Italian furniture. 

The Kaleidos seat by Michele De Lucchi was designed for CAIMI and won an Special Mention at the XXI Compasso d'Oro; it reminds us that Italian design also involves research into materials. Techno-polymers and steel become design materials. 

The "Grand Hotel Salgari" bedroom by Luca Scacchetti developed by MORELATO in collaboration with Abitare il Tempo in 2008 reminds us how modern design can also trace its way back to the past without copying its shapes and styles. This hotel room embraces Italian style, an image of timeless taste narrated through entirely Italian production skill. 

These stories of design excellence symbolise the path of Made in Italy from the 1970s to date and today will enhance the cycle of courses and presentations titled "Fondamenti di Abitare" scheduled during Abitare il Tempo that will then continue until the end of 2015 and throughout 2016. The tireless research by companies and designers will be presented whose constant inventiveness produces icons of Italy recognised throughout the world.