"Design is Human" is the theme of the 9th edition of the Isola Design Festival, which this year highlights the fusion between traditional craftsmanship and digital innovation, reaffirming that human creativity remains at the heart of authentic design. Bringing together international designers, studios, creators, and manufacturers, the festival explores themes such as social impact, environmental responsibility, and locally sourced materials, while also involving neighborhood workshops.
With the expansion and evolution of the Isola district in recent years, a new location has been added to the area: BasicVillage (via dell'Aprica 12), bringing a renewed creative energy to the neighborhood. The spaces of this early 20th-century former rubber factory will host three exhibitions dedicated to new approaches to contemporary design, Conscious Objects, Isola Design Gallery, and Openspace, curated by the Isola Design Group team, led by creative director Elif Resitoglu.
WHAT TO SEE IN BASICVILLAGE
Conscious Objects stimulates the senses with "playful" objects that combine flexibility, experience, and technology, while reducing environmental impact through the use of innovative materials and ethical production. Visitors will be able to immerse themselves in the creative and technical processes through interactive screens, featuring product insights, production phase videos, and engaging digital experiences. Designed with a human-centric approach, each piece combines flexibility, experience, and technology, reducing environmental impact through innovative materials and ethical production.
Isola Design Gallery celebrates the uniqueness of collectible design with one-of-a-kind objects that tell a story or offer a customizable experience. Through a selection of works, Isola will transform the space into an immersive showcase of creative visions and identities. Bringing together designers from diverse backgrounds, the exhibition will feature a variety of setups, from futuristic living concepts to contemporary interiors, with each piece interacting with the others. The dynamic display will highlight how spaces can be designed to reflect different ways of living.
Openspace will be a dynamic hub dedicated to companies, brands, and startups in the fields of technology, eco-technology, material research, and digital fabrication. Exhibitors will present cutting-edge solutions, offering visitors a glimpse into the future of design. The space will also serve as a networking platform, allowing enthusiasts and emerging talents to connect with industry leaders, explore collaborations, and discover innovations in materials and manufacturing processes. An area dedicated to talks and workshops will be part of the exhibition, enriched with design seating provided by HeFlies srl.
RETURNING AND NEW PARTNERS
The second edition of Enhance curated by Juan Torres for DesignWanted presents design as a catalyst for change and aligns with the seven Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) identified by World Design Organization members as particularly relevant to the industrial design community. The exhibition challenges the conventional boundaries of design, offering an experience that highlights design’s potential to reshape society. The showcase invites visitors into a curated exploration of projects that transform deep research into tangible, meaningful solutions.
Following the Dubai ceremony in November 2024, Isola Design Awards Winners’ Showcase brings to Milan its 10 outstanding 2024 winners. Isola is also gearing up to launch the open call for the 5th edition with an official kickoff event during Isola Design Festival. The digital contest continues to inspire and encourage designers to push the boundaries of their craft. 10 are the categories: Furniture, Seating, Lighting, Tableware, Textile, Product, Material, Sustainability, Outdoor, and Innovation.
IAAD., Accademia Italiana, and SAE Institute present Bravery Bar, an in-depth cultural and educational event designed through a joint project by 21 design schools. This new chapter Be Aware is an initiative in inclusive design that pushes the boundaries of creativity. Sponsored by the Italian Paralympic Committee and curated by Danilo Ragona, the event features workshops set against the backdrop of the Truly Design exhibition, bringing together emerging designers and companies to develop innovative solutions in design and sports.
Within its showroom inside BasicVillage, Very Simple: Kitchen presents the collaboration with Studio Proba: an unprecedented reinterpretation of the iconic modular steel kitchens signed by designer and artist Alex Proba. An explosion of creativity and a symphony of colours come together to create sculptural elements that complement and envelop the brand’s distinctive lines.
In the courtyard of BasicVillage, SuperForma’s additive manufacturing customizes the bar counter with 3D-printed elements made from recycled PLA. This modular installation showcases how design can truly achieve zero impact. Moreover Studio X collaborates with Isola Radio for the design of the DJ booth, a custom, handmade and colorful resin sculptural piece.
