Salone del Mobile.Milano Reinterprets Made in Italy Design at “The Orbit’s Orbit” in Shanghai

Shanghai, China, 2024 – Salone del Mobile.Milano continues to assert its global relevance with a reimagined presentation of Italian design at “The Orbit’s Orbit” in Shanghai. Held at the prestigious West Bund Art & Design, this event marks the second international milestone of the Salone in China, a market that remains crucial for the future of Italian design.

Performance ©XELEVATION

The event, hosted in partnership with ITA – Italian Trade Agency, attracted a high number of visitors, reflecting the growing importance of Italian-made furniture in the Chinese market. Salone del Mobile’s collaboration with the West Bund Art & Design exhibition further underscores the intersection of art, design, and culture. As a leading cultural event, the West Bund Art & Design served as the perfect backdrop to celebrate the best of Italian design, bringing together a diverse audience from all over the world.

Press Conference From left: Tiziana D'Angelo_Matilde

Cassani_Matteo Zoppas_Maria Porro_ Paola Antonelli_Aldo Cibic_Zhou Tiehai

©Davide Colombino

The Orbit’s Orbit: A Creative Dialogue Between Art and Design

“The Orbit’s Orbit,” a performative installation designed by Matilde Cassani, draws from contemporary Made in Italy design, blending art and design to create an immersive experience. The installation features 65 iconic products from 36 leading Italian brands, arranged in a space that fosters dialogue between East and West. The exhibition space is a testament to the collaborative spirit of Salone del Mobile, creating new avenues for cultural exchange and reinforcing Italy’s role as a beacon of innovative design.

Performance ©XELEVATION

Matilde Cassani, the artist behind the scenography, described the installation as a “tableau vivant,” where the interaction of performers, acrobats, and visitors brings the space to life. The space itself becomes a public square, a fluid environment where visitors and performers engage with the space through dynamic movement and storytelling.

Performance ©XELEVATION

A Series of Talks Exploring Sustainable Design and the Future of Cities

The event also hosted a series of discussions focusing on design, sustainability, and the future of urban spaces. Keynote speakers included renowned architects and curators such as Ma Yansong of MAD Architects, Maria Porro, President of Salone del Mobile.Milano, and Ute Meta Bauer, Professor at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. The opening forum explored sustainable creative cities, with a particular focus on how design can foster ecological awareness and drive urban transformation in rapidly growing metropolises like Shanghai.

Performative Installation ©Davide Colombino

Looking Ahead: Salone del Mobile’s Growing Commitment to China

As Salone del Mobile continues its commitment to fostering long-term relationships in China, the event represents a significant step in building connections with new design communities and opening up new opportunities for collaboration. The growing interest in Italian design, coupled with China’s emphasis on sustainable development, presents valuable opportunities for innovation and cultural exchange. This landmark event is a continuation of Salone del Mobile’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its global presence and promote the internationalization of the Italian design sector.