4.24.2009

Utilitarianism at Milan’s Furniture Fair@Design


The dominant style of this year's Milan Furniture Fair seems to be utilitarianism, with many designers showing spartan, minimalist objects. The show opens Wednesday, and has expanded from a showcase for northern Italy's furniture makers to a global design extravaganza. These Vegetal chairs, designed by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, are made from molded plastic for Vitra.

Photo: Vitra


The Build Up corrugated cardboard table and chair, designed by Philippe Nigro for the debut collection of the new Italian furniture maker and retailer, Skitsch. Skitsch is a $16 million start-up that plans to open a flagship store in Milan.

Photo: Skitsch


Nacho Carbonell with his design, Beasts. Inspired by punk culture, Mr. Carbonell used recycled leather and staples to create his pieces.

Photo: Fendi/Design Miami


A prototype of the Iri chair, designed by Paolo Cappelo, embodied the raw, rationalist style that was echoed throughout the show.

Photo: Paolo Capello


The 10-Unit System of furniture, designed by the Japanese architect Shigeru Ban for Artek of Finland. The L-shaped modules are made from recycled composite material and can be combined in different ways.

Photo: Artek


The Life 0 1 light was designed by the young British lighting designer Paul Cocksedge for production by the Italian manufacturer Flos. The light is illuminated when a fresh flower is placed in the water inside the glass vessel. If the flower is removed from the vessel, or if it dies, the light goes off.

Photo: Flos


Matali Crasset's Open room for Established & Sons is reminiscent of the Reitveld Schröeder House in Utrecht and Piet Mondrian's paintings.

Photo: Established & Sons

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