Last week, I attended the Salone del Mobile.milano press conference at New York Institute of Technology, attracting over 100 attendees. The Italian trade commissioner from the Miami office, Carlo Angelo Bocchi, welcomed the crowd and presented a video demonstrating that Italy has 64,000 individuals in the design industry, with 34,000 active lighting design firms, and the USA being their leading market.
The event showcased leading Italian companies and celebrated a partnership with NY Institute of Technology.
Salone del Mobile.milano General Manager Marco Sabetta compared their meetings to a rock tour, which started in Los Angeles. Sabetta encouraged attendees to visit Salone to experience the “beauty, energy, passion, and new materials” presented by the exhibitors. He mentioned the increased importance of the US market to Italy, now that Russia and Ukraine are at war. Representatives from over 180 countries are expected to attend.
Maria Perbellini, Dean of School of Architecture NYIT, stated that Salone is the premier lighting and furniture event and the biggest annual design event in the world. Maria Porro, President of Salone del Mobile.Milano, explained that the show started as a furniture fair in 1961, and now has 2000 exhibitors and 260,000 attendees expected this year.
Euroluce 2023, The City of Lights, is back for the first time since 2019. Maria emphasized how much lighting has evolved and referenced a study showing reduced assisted living falls and faster recovery of hospital patients—all thanks to lighting.
Maria acknowledged that Salone can be overwhelming due to its size, and to improve navigation, all pavilions are now on one level. The event also offers digital wayfinding to create personalized maps for efficient visits. The app enables visitors to navigate by company name or technology. Euroluce aims to create a unique experience for lighting designers, with the layout redesigned by Lombardini22studio. Maria said, “Think of it more like an Italian city with windy road and corridors with great public spaces for cultural events.” She added that there will be areas to sit and have a quiet moment.
Mandalaki – Halo Horizon Exhibit curated by Matteo Pirola
Design is a cross-cultural discipline, and one exhibit at Euroluce will feature the work of Hélène Binet, a French photographer who captures natural light with designs. The Aurore, an immersive experience designed by Formafantasma, may be the star of the show. The exhibit features different lights for various purposes such as growing tomatoes in space or helping premature babies.
Salone del Mobile.milano is a significant event that showcases Italian design companies, and Euroluce 2023 aims to create a unique experience for lighting designers. As a participant of the UN Global Compact, the show also focuses on sustainability and is seeking ISO 20121 Certification for Sustainable events.
Salone del Mobile.Milano 2023 dates and times:
- 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
Location:
Milan Fairgrounds, Rho (Milan)
Entrance gates: Porta Est, Porta Sud, Porta Ovest
For more information, click here.