“Materia Natura,” the main focus of Milan Design Week 2024, isn’t just about showing off the newest designs; it’s a bold call for industry-wide sustainability. As our planet faces environmental crises, merging design with conservation efforts is not just smart—it’s survival. The theme calls on studios and creatives to explore the interplay between “Materia” (matter) and “Natura” (nature), looking to sustainability as a guiding principle and core value in the design process. From Salone del Mobile to satellite fairs and studio shows, this year, it’s all about innovation that not only looks good but also does good, marking a shift to design that puts green thinking at the forefront.
Courtesy of Earthic Lab.
Formafantasma and Cosentino Spotlight Recycling and Reuse in Industrial Design
The furniture industry, in scale and scope, has a significant environmental footprint. During Design Week, Earthic Lab, an installation conceived by Formafantasma for Cosentino, will spotlight the role of recycling and reuse in industrial design. In the historical Teatro Gerolamo, Earthic Lab invites viewers to explore the origin and characteristics of materials, unpacking their components to understand the production processes behind each one. Eduardo Cosentino, CEO of Cosentino Americas and EVP of Global Sales, articulates the project’s ambition, hoping that “Earthic Lab inspires designers and visitors alike to incorporate more sustainable products into their projects and envision the endless design possibilities through surfacing.”
Courtesy of Dzek and Christien Meinderstma.
Dzek and Christien Meindertsma Focus on Material Innovation with Sustainability Goals
Meanwhile, “Flaxwood,” a forward-thinking initiative by Dzek and Christien Meindertsma, will focus on the importance of material innovation in achieving sustainability goals. By deconstructing and reimagining linoleum, a material with a history dating back to the 19th century, the project highlights how revisiting the basics can lead to more environmentally friendly solutions. The fact that linoleum is biodegradable and made from renewable resources like linseed oil, cork dust, and wood flour underscores the potential for traditional materials to meet modern sustainability standards.
Courtesy of Komok.
Komok Draws Attention to Local Craftsmanship
Komok, founded in 2019 by Péter Nagy and Norbert Juhász and showing at the “Design Walk in Budapest” exhibit by Rossana Orlandi at Triennale Milano, will draw attention to local craftsmanship and sustainable product development. The Budapest-based furniture and design brand hopes to address sustainability by paying close attention to structural and technical details, seeking rational functionality, a high level of aesthetic appearance, and endurance.
Catena 01; photo by Pieter Van Bruyssel, courtesy of Grond Studio and Baranzate Ateliers.
Grond Studio Explores Raw Earth as Material for Furniture
This year, Grond Studio‘s exploration of raw earth as a material for furniture not only brings an aesthetic of grounded simplicity but also emphasizes the importance of low-impact materials in sustainable design. Earth, as a building and design material, has one of the lowest environmental footprints. It is abundant, non-toxic, and requires minimal processing, showcasing how the choice of materials can significantly reduce the environmental impact of design projects. Displayed at Baranzate Ateliers, Grond Studio’s work will be featured alongside other sustainably-minded projects. Among these is Lionel Jadot’s “Lost Highway” collection, which includes a unique light crafted from Greek schist remnants, metal reinforcing bars, glass fragments, and a 19th-century Japanese wooden rosary, highlighting the creative reuse of materials in crafting elegant new pieces.
“Under the Surface,” at the International Bathroom Exhibit, courtesy of Salotto, NY.
The International Bathroom Exhibition Tells a Visual Story of Water Conservation
Solving problems is at the heart of design, and this year the International Bathroom Exhibition at Salone del Mobile is calling on designers to ask: What is the state of bathroom design in relation to water sustainability? “Under the Surface” will provide a crucial commentary on water conservation, an often-overlooked aspect of environmental design. This installation, a collaborative effort by Accurat, Design Group Italia, and Emiliano Ponzi, draws visitors into an engaging narrative about forming a lasting, respectful relationship with water. Located in Pavilion 10, it creatively uses the concept of a submerged island to tell a visual story while spotlighting the environmental impact of our daily water use.
These projects, amongst many others during Milan Design Week, tell us that sustainability in design is multifaceted, including everything from materials and production processes to logistics and our human behavior. Perhaps more than ever, the design industry has both the responsibility and the creative power to guide us in building a more sustainable future. Through innovation, collaboration, and a deep commitment to our environment, the week’s offerings paint a hopeful—and dare I say optimistic—picture of what’s next in sustainability and design.
