House of Switzerland Milano

Organised by Pro Helvetia and Presence Suisse, House of Switzerland Milano has brought together designers, institutions, industry players, under the theme “Collaboration”. In the heart of the Brera district, at the Casa degli Artisti, the platform has successfully highlighted the richness and dynamism of the Swiss design scene, and offered an ideal setting for young talents, designers, cultural institutions and established brands to showcase their works.

Inspired by the open workspaces of the 1970s, the Swiss design duo Gini Moynier, in cooperation with the graphic design studio Spectrodrama, has conceived a refined scenography fostering reflection, dialogue and exchange. This welcoming, modular space has hosted talks, gatherings and different exhibitions, all offering perspectives of change, and underlining the fruitful results of design collaborations, such as the show “Emerging Talents: Shared Drive”.

Sneak peek at a selection of projects that question the traditional practices or explore the potential of innovative materials and techniques :

– For “Herding Wool”, Alix Arto, Emma Casella and Yihan Zhang have explored the potential of wool felting, between craftsmanship and innovation. Their collaboration has given life to a book recounting the many encounters and exchanges that punctuated this journey.

– “Kwer”, an universal tableware set developed by Dversa.Studio, brings inclusion, accessibility and conviviality around the dining table. With a co-creative approach, the studio has integrated the insights of users from diverse backgrounds, abilities and ages into the design process.

– “Furikake Lantern”, designed by Rio Kobayashi and Flavia Brändle, harmoniously combines Japanese and Swiss formal languages. The duo has created individual lighting elements that can be hung above a table, fixed to the wall or linked together to create a modular configuration.

– The “USMO Lights” by Livia Lauber has brought together Swiss design know-how and traditional Japanese crafts. Made of USM system’s components, the large floor lamp features an integrated shelf for books and magazines. The airy, metallic structure is softened by a fluid lampshade crafted from Washi, a traditional Japanese paper.

– « re : collection » by Salomon Elsler, a series of furniture pieces made using pest-infested wood underlines the beautiful and natural, yet imperfect, characteristics of wood. The collection advocates a holistic approach to sustainable resource management through the production of unique and industrially producible pieces of furniture.

– For “TechTact”, Yael Anders and Tymen Goetsch have questioned the role of tools like AI in today’s creative processes. In blending artisanal techniques with advanced digital processes, they offer new, experimental opportunities for contemporary craft.

     

Among the other exhibitions on show at House of Switzerland Milano, “Designed in CH Made in JP”, a cross-cultural collaboration from the MA Product Design programme at ECAL, Karimoku New Standard (KNS) and Presence Switzerland, has unveiled the wooden chairs designed by the students for the Swiss Pavilion at the Expo in Osaka. The unique story beyond each chair demonstrates how Swiss and Japanese heritage aligned in shared values, paying tribute to the craftsmanship and innovation.

Also exploring new grounds, textile artist Claudia Caviezel has designed MOÏRA, the new collection of Swisswool rugs crafted from locally sourced Valais Blacknose wool. To produce these unique statement pieces, Swiss manufacturer Lantal Textiles has spined the yarn and woven the carpets, then transformed Caviezel’s artwork using innovative and environmentally friendly Deep Dyeing Technology, for a real eye-catching effect.

Well curated, House of Switzerland Milano has offered a broad, and inspiring panorama of the Swiss design scene.

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