The Drum Design Project of the Week: Milan Furniture Fair 2015
Ahead of the Milan Furniture Fair 2015 which kicks off next week, The Drum takes a look at some of the hottest exhibitions and collaborations launching at the annual design event.
Each year the design industry descends on the Northern Italian city of Milan for the annual Salone Internazionale del Mobile show, which this year flings its doors open from 14-19 April.
The 54th edition will see a number of big brands collaborating with international designers. Here The Drum picks out the top three works to watch out for.
Airbnb
Airbnb approached 19 designers from Italian collective Fabrica to conceptualise the relationship between guests and hosts and how they begin with a simple welcome, for an installation called Housewarming.
Hosted at Palazzo Crespi, guests will be invited to interact with the designs, which will be installed in different parts of the Palazzo, ranging from a British tea time to the Indian ritual of lighting lamps.
“Design helps shape our everyday interactions, through products, furniture, objects, or experiences,” said Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia. “Fabrica's innovative students will showcase Airbnb’s belief that design can create a sense of belonging and facilitate connections between a global community.”
Lexus
Car marque Lexus will take visitors on a 'Journey of the Senses' for its 2015 installation in collaboration with designer Philippe Nigro and chef Hajime Yoneda.
Lexus promises to deliver a full sensory experience that will stimulate all the senses of attendees and offer an imaginative take on the possibilities of the world of design.
Additionally, Lexus will reveal the Grand Prix winner of its Design Awards 2015 at the exhibition, with Robin Hunicke and Arthur Huang to act as mentors for the remaining 12 winners.
SodaStream
Meanwhile 90’s favourite SodaStream is back on the design scene with bang and will display its Internet of Things integrated SodaStream Mix model.
The manufacturer is hoping to “shake up the drinks industry” and revolutionise cocktail making with the machine, which it says is the first to carbonate any liquids including fruit juices and spirits.
Designed by Swiss designer Yves Behar – who also happens to be the chief creative officer for wearables company Jawbone – the SodaStream Mix is also Bluetooth enabled and works with a phone app.