Vouchers Salone del Mobile 2025 – 10 projects selected

13 March 2025

general impression

The submitted projects display a rich variety of approaches, ranging from experimental research to artistic interventions, and from product and furniture design to technology and materials research. Many designers not only present their end product, but also provide insight into their creative process and production methods. During ENHANCE, for example, Joshua Klappe will show the process behind the Self-Bent Chair, for which he used an innovative technique for bending solid wood panels.

In a number of projects, the relationship between mental health and design plays an important role. Studio Sophia Schullan’s installation This Isn't Working at BASE Milano reflects on the ‘grind culture’, which places productivity above personal well-being. At Galleria Rossana Orlandi, Alissa+Nienke are presenting Glass&Light Effects for Wellbeing. This project explores how fused glass and moving light can contribute to a more relaxing environment in public spaces such as hospitals and office buildings.

projects

A few notable projects are:

Space Garments – Antoine Peters
Moooi Milan has invited Antoine Peters to present his sculptures at the opening of their new location in Milan during Salone del Mobile 2025. The Space Garments presentation includes both existing sculptures and a new work. The sculptures are positioned in a dialogue with the furniture and the space. The relationship between objects and their surroundings plays a central role. Peters’ plan is to place a selected collection of sculptures that are closely linked to the human body, scattered throughout the space. The sculptures will interact, as it were, with the furniture and the interior, aiming to evoke emotional and physical reactions from visitors. Here, the space around the objects is just as important as the objects themselves.

It’s a Dye-Off! – LoopLoop
During the Salone del Mobile 2025, LoopLoop will present the project It’s a Dye-Off! at Alcova. This project highlights their research into bio-dyes and shows the potential of plant-based pigments. After developing the first aluminium dyes in 2023 using a special treatment, the studio has discovered new plants that offer a wide range of colours and patterns. The installation consists of two main parts: a hanging object made of painted aluminium tiles and a workbench where the tiles are made live. These are then added to the object and combined with illuminated tiles made from biobased materials by CraftingPlastics. The aim of this presentation is to raise awareness of the studio’s sustainable designs. LoopLoop also wants to promote the use of plant-based dyeing techniques for application in larger projects.

This Isn’t working  – Studio Sophia Schullan
With This Isn’t Working, Sophia Schullan presents a reflection on ‘grind culture’ at BASE Milano. In grind culture, achieving professional goals, being productive and building a successful career take precedence over personal well-being. The multimedia installation consists of a projection and five metal shelves that form a deconstructed office space. Objects associated with productivity have been adapted to show the absurdity of grind culture. The work is inspired by the maker’s personal experiences of overworking and the fatigue that brings. The aim is to create awareness about the toxic effects of grind culture in a light-hearted way.

The full selection consists of:

• This Isn’t working – Studio Sophia Schullan
• Luis Marie naar Milaan – Fenna van der Klei
• Glass&Light effects for wellbeing – Alissa+Nienke
• Home Dishes For Sale – Anas Chao
• BCXSY X LOBMEYR – BCXSY
• It’s a Dye-Off! – LoopLoop
• Fired Narratives – 56 hours
• My Little Light – Rive Roshan
• Space Garments – Antoine Peters
• The Self-Bent Chair – Joshua Klappe

locaties

The selected Dutch designers are presenting their work at various prestigious locations in Milan:

• Galleria Rossana Orlandi - An internationally recognised platform for emerging designers led by the renowned Milanese gallerist. Alissa+Nienke and BCXSY are presenting their work here.
• Alcova - This northerly located platform for innovative research into the future of life and making welcomes LoopLoop with their research into plant-based bio-dyes in It’s a Dye-Off!
• BASE Milano - At this hybrid cultural centre in the Tortona district, which fosters cross-fertilisation between creative industries, social innovation and technology, Sophia Schullan and Anas Chao are tying in with the year’s theme ‘Making Kin’.
• ENHANCE - In the Isola district, Joshua Klappe is presenting his Self-Bent Chair at the invitation of DesignWanted, which with ENHANCE showcases impactful designs that benefit communities and individuals.
• Cinque Vie (5VIE) - In this historic design district with a high concentration of galleries and studios, Rive Roshan is creating a participatory installation with dynamic light choreography.
• Salone Satellite - This showcase location for emerging talent welcomes duo's Luis Marie and 56 hours this year.

numbers

Of the 23 subsidy requests received, 10 could be processed after checking them against the formal criteria. A budget of € 50,000 was available for this call, with a maximum contribution per project of € 5,000. The subsidy ceiling was reached after supporting 10 projects, all of which had applied for the maximum application amount.