Salone del Mobile 2024: An evolution of Design and Sustainability.

The world of design and furniture is preparing to welcome the most anticipated event in the industry, presenting the sixty-second edition of an event that has marked the history of design and furniture for more than sixty years: the Salone del Mobile 2024. The president, Maria Porro, emphasizes the social and institutional role of the event, involving the Department and School of Design of the Milan Polytechnic University to scientifically analyze the cultural-socio-economic ecosystem of the fair.

Born in 1961, the Salone del Mobile has always represented a crossroads between tradition and innovation. Its long history testifies to its ability to adapt to changing times, remaining a beacon for companies and brands that want to distinguish themselves through expressive power, functional innovation and cutting-edge materials.

Each edition is a laboratory of experimentation and contamination, a place where ideas merge and transform into revolutionary prototypes. Let’s explore them together:

• Events and innovations: The fair offers a full calendar of talks and workshops, as well as two major installations. In the pavilions of the International Bathroom Exhibition, a scenic stage will address the challenges of safeguarding the planet. In the spaces dedicated to furniture, a staging of environments promises to be an unforgettable experience.
• 25 years of SaloneSatellite: 2024 is a special year for the SaloneSatellite, which celebrates its first 25 years with a fair edition and an exhibition at the Milan Triennale edited by Beppe Finessi. An opportunity to reflect on innovations and emerging talents in the world of design.
• Fuorisalone 2024: An event that takes place every year in Milan in conjunction with the Salone del Mobile, by which it defines Milan Design Week. Fuorisalone refers to all the events that occur in the different areas of Milan, which happen to coincide with the Salone del Mobile.

“Matter Nature” is the theme for Fuorisalone 2024, promoting a conscious design culture by highlighting sustainability as a guiding principle in design. Exploring the deep connection between nature and matter, it recognizes the human transformation of both concepts and their harmonious overlap. The word “nature” recalls current environmental challenges, while “matter” stimulates a dialogue with design and creativity. This theme amplifies and deepens the values of previous editions, emphasizing sustainability as a fundamental virtue. Fuorisalone 2024 will be a significant opportunity to explore the multiple dimensions in which nature can inspire and guide a sustainable future through conscious designs.

The watchword for edition number 62 is “listening.” The ever-evolving Salone del Mobile recognizes the importance of understanding the perceptions, desires and needs of those attending the event. In collaboration with the Milan Polytechnic, a permanent observatory is being created to analyze the fair’s impact on sustainability, inclusion, circularity and growth.

• Neuroscience and human centric: The design for the 2024 edition focuses on the human experience, relying on neuroscience to understand visitors’ emotional and unconscious behaviors. In collaboration with Lombardini22, a leading architecture and engineering group, 3D testing has been initiated to design experiences based on real behaviors, creating new emotional and relational engagements. Neuroscience will be used to assess visitors’ reactions, making Salone del Mobile the first trade show event to take advantage of this tool.
• New layout and space optimization: The redesign involves EuroKitchen and the International Bathroom Exhibition, with the adjacent pavilions connected for the first time. The concentric layout, with ring boulevards, optimizes routes, providing greater accessibility and efficiency for visitors.
• Innovation and environmental sustainability: The innovation does not stop with the layout. The Salone del Mobile continues its commitment to sustainability, with reuse projects and the involvement of suppliers that handle recycled materials. The ISO 20121 certification for sustainable management obtained in 2023 is tangible evidence of the commitment to environmental, economic and social responsibility.
• Communication campaign with artificial intelligence: The communication for the Salone del Mobile 2024 will be driven by generative artificial intelligence. The “Where Design Evolves” campaign signed by Publicis Groupe, in collaboration with Prof. Paolo Ciuccarelli, will use AI processes to analyze conversations and reflections, creating a fluid platform that is constantly evolving.

In conclusion, the Salone del Mobile presents itself as an engaging, innovative and sustainable experience, confirming its position as a reference in the world of design and furniture. The city of Milan is preparing to host an event that, every year, offers a comprehensive overview of the latest trends and inspirations in the world of design.