Nicky Lobo ventures beyond the fairground to see what else Milan has to offer.

Bisazza – bisazza.com

There are a multitude of impressive flagship showrooms in the city of Milan itself. Bisazza are known for their glamorous mosaics, but now they can also be known for leading the European field in sustainability. Although it’s not as common as in Australia – as yet – Bisazza have recognised its rising importance and have developed a new glass tile made from 93% recycled material.

Bloem Marrone – Marcel Wanders for Bisazza

Kumo Cloud Light – Nendo for Bisazza

Ventura Lambrate –  venturaprojects.com

The best element of the fair, in my opinion, although I could be accused of being biased (Indesign were media sponsors). The fresh ideas from emerging global talent, creative solutions and raw energy is the antithesis of the careful development and big budgets of companies exhibiting at the fair. We’ll be covering Ventura with in depth coverage in Indesign #54, on newsstands August 2013.

Pencil Shaving – Norie Matsumoto

Cheap Ass 4th Edition Elite – Saran Yen

David Trubridge/Tsar – tsar.com.au

He’s designed furniture, lights, spaces and most recently, jewellery. This year David Trubridge launched his new range of rugs with Australian company Tsar. From Superstudio (a collective exhibition at Via Tortona), Trubridge created an installation that represented the elements (fire, water, earth, air) as a backdrop. The new range features designs that take from his travels around the world, geographical abstracts of the continents.

Doubtful Sound – David Trubridge for Tsar 

Spinifex – David Trubridge for Tsar

UN Studio – UNStudio.com

Also at Zona Tortona, UN Studio was showing their highly conceptual, yet usable, furniture. Coming from an architecture background, this Amsterdam firm creates pieces that encourage dynamic movement, exploration and play. To extend on this team, UN Studio and Prooff brought together industry speakers, design critics, writers and audience for a dialogue series during the fair.

Studio Easy Chair and Studio Beam Seat – UNStudio for Offecct

 

Studio Beam – UNStudio for Offecct

Boffi – Boffi.com

One of the leading brands – not just in the kitchen and bathroom fields, but overall, is Boffi. A strong position meant the stylish showroom was thriving throughout the fair. We spoke to CEO Roberto Gavazzi, responsible for taking the company into the stratosphere along with Paolo Boffi and Piero Lissoni in the early 90s. More later…

Suspended Top and Iceland Washbasin – Boffi

Duemilaotto Tall Kitchen/Laundry Units – Boffi

 

Hero Image: “Schaukelstuhl” (Rocking Chair) – Bert Loeschner exhibiting at Ventura Lambrate