Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Andrea Branzi (Video)
Alan, Michelle, Lindsay
Triennale Design Museum - List of 70 Italian Designers
ACHILLE CASTIGLIONI LAMP HUNT
On June 7th we visited the design office of Achille Castiglioni, which has now been converted into a sort of museum. The office seems as though it is frozen in time. While there we got to hear a lot of stories about the inspiration for his products, especially his lamps. This was especially great because the lamps seemed to pop up everywhere we went after that.
Design Library (Video)
- Alan, Michelle, Lindsay
B&B (Video)
- Alan, Michelle, Lindsay
XXII Compasso d'Oro Events
idc=449&explicit=SI.
B&B Italia Design Approach
Moon Sytem sofa designed by Zaha Hadid expresses B&B Italia’s research and experimentation approach to innovate.
On the Street: Window Displays
Welcome to Milan, one of the most fashion forward cities in Europe! Notorious for its stylish stores and brand-name boutiques, Milan is a hot spot for all of the latest trends in the world of fashion and design. The downtown streets wind their way around beautiful old buildings, and the sidewalks are lined with lavish shops that are perfect for anyone looking to do some high-end shopping (or in my case, some high-end window gawking).
Although so much attention is being paid to actual products on this trip, the presentation of these products is a design process within itself. The amount of creativity, construction and attention to detail that goes into some display areas is incredible! Storefront designers have to consider several aspects of exhibition such as props, set pieces, backgrounds, and lighting – all of which must correspond with the vision of the product they are promoting. Communication and marketing are vital to the success of a product, and after seeing the window displays here, I realize the importance of proper presentation - especially in a hub of consumerism like Milan.
Dior
So, next time you’re out and about in any shopping area, take some time to look at how different stores set up their windows and think about how it affects your impression of the products that they advertise. It will be interesting to see the variety of storefront decorations, and spending a little more time outside of the stores might keep a little money in your pocket too!
Thanks,
Laura M.
Visit to Castiglioni Museum
On June 7th, we stepped into the world of Achille Castiglioni, renowned designer, professor, and creative genius. His office was converted into a museum, and now houses his archive of prototypes, products, and drawings. A knowledgable guide took us through his office telling us stories about Achille and his personal philosophy. We later found out that our guide was in fact his daughter, Giovanna! Everywhere we turned, there were his favourite objects, filled with his personality. They encourage visitors to be ever curious, following the advice he gave his students years ago. We weren't allowed to take pictures, so if you ever travel to Milan, be sure to visit his studio!
Andrea Branzi
THE PEACOCK IN THE TRIENNALE
On June 7th we visited the Triennale Design Museum in Milan and saw the exhibit called “Dream Factory”. The exhibit focused on the success of small Italian design companies producing big, iconic pieces. The companies may not be big enough to have a factory, but they produce a lot of ideas.
The Fusion of Function and Play in Castiglioni
Glimpse inside of Museo Castiglioni http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/11/arts/11iht-designside11.html |
Triennale Design Museum Visit - My Fave Chair
Sella Chair by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, 1957
On June 7th, we visited the Triennalle Design Museum. The exhibit we visited was called "Dream Factories" and was all about the history of contemporary Italian Industrial Design. The most predominant objects were chairs, so Anne, Amanda and myself decided to each talk about our favourite chair shown in the exhibit. My favourite is the Sella Chair by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, designed in 1957 for Zanotta. It is still proudly in Zanotta's collection.
Triennale - My Favourite Chair
While in Milan, we visited the Triennale Design Museum, which has an exhibition running called “Dream Factories”. The main elements of this exhibition include lighting and furniture from famous Italian Design companies. Although all of the pieces exhibited are important culturally as design icons, they are not all best sellers. The exhibit tries to display which products were successful on the market, and which were simply “flops” – iconic but not actually profitable for the companies involved.
Patricia Urquiola for Moroso
Urquiola's pieces incorporate cultural inspirations taken from around the globe, from colours to production methods. Common to her style are also the touches of femininity added to each of her products, refreshing in the male-dominated industry.
This is her latest collect
ion for Moroso, called Fergana. It is inspired by old handcrafts of Italian women. The embroidery on the upholstery is reminiscent of past fashions re-interpreted in a contemporary way. By playing with the scale and colours of the embroidery, this old form of decoration has been rejuvenated.
Pictured is a coffee table with inspiration taken from lace doilies. In this design, she is playing not only with scale, but material as well.
Here are some more images of her work.
Moroso, Boffi, and B&B Italia: Comparisons of Marketing Tactics
Logos of Moroso, B&B Italia and Boffi (collaboration with Foster) |