Milan’s Salone del Mobile will become the “Supersalone” this year. Barely two weeks after Stefano Boeri’s appointment as the curator for this special edition of the international furniture fair (see ndion news from 19 May), the first few details for it have now been announced at a press conference in the Triennale di Milano garden. There will be five designers collaborating with Boeri: Andrea Caputo, Maria Cristina Didero, Anniina Koivu and Lukas Wegwerth as well as Marco Ferrari and Elisa Pasqual from Studio Folder. Supersalone, taking place at the exhibition centre in Rho from 5 to 10 September, aims to emphasise the centrality of Milan and Salone del Mobile to the international design, cultural and innovation scenes. According to the announcement, the event will be open to the general public for its entire duration, not just guests from the industry.
Supersalone is not planned to become a shrunk-down version of the Milan furniture fair. Rather, it will develop a new exhibition concept. Many furniture brands often have a booth with a closed-off design that is difficult to reconcile with pandemic social-distancing requirements, so Boeri is partnering with designer Andrea Caputo to develop an open-plan display concept reminiscent of large-scale wall shelving. The exhibitors can hire shelving in different lengths, based on their budget. Products and new items can be presented vertically on the exterior, horizontally on surfaces that jut out or in interiors broken up by apertures that mark out the intended direction. The wall shelves are intended to be arranged parallel, diagonally or at right angles in the halls, leaving enough space in between so that visitors can circulate while keeping a distance. The lounges, dining options and exhibition and event areas will also employ an open-plan spatial concept. Everything is meant to be designed in a way allowing dismantling and reuse.
The eastern gate to the exhibition grounds is planned to become a green reception area with 200 trees which will be planted around the Milan urban area after Supersalone ends. The Triennale di Milano, which Boeri is president of, will also be included by incorporating cultural elements. Salone Satellite will be on pause this year. Instead, there will be a new platform for young designers curated by Anniina Koivu. Supersalone will be providing numerous digital services for anyone unable to travel to Milan.
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