The top installations from Salone 2018

1. Asif Khan at Palazzo Litta

Palazzo Litta continues to grow in scale and this year was no different. The central courtyard of the old palace was taken over by an installation by UK studio Asif Khan.

Tempietto nel Bosco is a wood-based installation, creating a red forest-like environment surrounded by a Renaissance structure. Geometric in shape and oversized in scale, the structure creates a cocooning effect while maintaining a high level of porosity.

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2. Transfer by Dimore studio

The Italian masters of intricate and elaborate (yet somehow eerily realistic) design is, of course, Dimore Studio. For this year’s Salone the duo put on not one but three installations across Milan.

A stand out being Transfer, which is a homage to 20th-century masters. As a city of historical relevance for design, the installation unfolds with rooms within rooms. Each space transforms into different mises en scenes and is layered with various trinkets and objects.

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3. Crystal Palace by Swarovski

Creating a site-specific installation, the Swarovski Crystal Palace brings to life the brands décor collection. Set within a hidden courtyard of a Milanese palazzo, the installation plays up to its surrounds.

Some heavyweight collaborators include John Pawson, Patricia Urquiola, Nendo and Peter Pilotto.

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4. Kosmos installation by WonderGlass

Set within the Istituto dei Ciech, WonderGlass’ installation titled Kosmos is all about the celebration of glass as a material. Bringing a selection of high profile designers on board, the exhibition looks at innovation in the product.

The Bourallec brothers and Fornasetti each approached the project differently, making for an interesting and varied result despite the same material being used.

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5. Typecasting by Vitra

As one of the established furniture brands with an impressive archive of work, Vitra created a highly curated exhibition of over 200 objects. Robert Stadler designed the show, creating a series of four distinct personalities – each exploring how social change and innovation are changing people’s lives.

The sports stadium, replete with overhead podium/viewing dock only added to the voyeuristic feel.

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6. Mujicucina

Using high-end food as a way to communicate a clear message, Japanese homeware brand MUJI put on a unique display of food, art and design. Yoji Tokuyoshi, who is a Milan-based chef and the protégé of the famed Massimo Bottura, created The Floating Forest. Partly food and partly art, The Floating Forest is a hanging artwork of moss, plants and bulbs.

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