Drafting Futures. Conversations about Next Perspectives
-
08 APR – 13 APR 2025
-
09:00 – 18:00
-
Fiera milano RHO - Pav. 14
-
Talks, round tables, masterclasses, and workshops with the participation of internationally renowned professionals.
16:00 – 17:00
Yachting and Design. Made in Italy’s positive influence
In collaboration with the Salone Nautico Internazionale di Genova
An exchange between designers and companies about design’s increasingly important role in the growth of the yacht and boating industry.
Panel:
Adam D. Tihany, Designer, Tihany Product Design
Chiara Massarani, Architect, Senior Project Director, ACPV ARCHITECTS Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel
Stefano de Vivo, Chief Commercial Officer, Ferretti Group e Managing Director, Wally
Francesca Attuoni, Head of Interior Design, Baglietto
Sergio Buttiglieri, Style Director, Sanlorenzo
Moderator: Luisa Bocchietto, Architect, Jury Member for the Design Innovation Award of Salone Nautico Internazionale di Genova.
Institutional greetings from from Marina Stella - Director General of Confindustria Nautica
Drafting Futures Arena, Pavilion 14
11:00 – 13:00
Francis Kéré in conversation with Giulia Ricci
The event will focus on the work of Francis Kéré, the 2022 Pritzker Architecture Prize winner. The first African to receive this honor is acclaimed for his unwavering commitment to sustainable and socially inclusive design. With such priorities, architecture can be a powerful force for tackling global problems, such as access to safe drinking water and education. Giulia Ricci, “Domus” journalist and editor, will moderate.
Arena “Drafting Futures”, Pavilion 14
16:00 – 17:00
Form Follows Formulation: Maria Cristina Didero in conversation with Aesop
Exploring how Aesop’s design principles and customer experience are reflected in — and stem from — the way it formulates its products, in a talk with some of those who have shaped its unconventional approach.
Panel:
Suzanne Santos, Chief Customer Officer, Aesop
Marianne Lardilleux, Director of Global Store Design, Aesop
Jean-Philippe Bonnefoi, Head of Retail Design Europe, Aesop
Moderator: Maria Cristina Didero, Independent Design Curator and Author
Arena Drafting Futures, Pavilion 14
11:00 – 13:00
John Pawson in conversation with Deyan Sudjic
Two experts, each with respected points of view, discuss the role of architecture and the significance of modern design: architect John Pawson, Commander of the British Empire for his design and architectural excellence, and author, curator and critic Deyan Sudjic, director emeritus of the Design Museum in London and Officer of the Order of the British Empire.
Arena “Drafting Futures”, Pavilion 14
16:30 – 17:30
The furniture industry, excellence of Made in Italy: strategic investments and competitive advantages for the international development of the supply chain
Curated by Intesa Sanpaolo
In the wake of two remarkable years of soaring growth, with exports still thriving, particularly in some manufacturing districts, the Italian furniture and furnishings sector faced a downturn in 2023. Sustainability and Investment are strategic cornerstones for the sector’s global expansion, in which superb design, sustainable innovation, creativity, and quality make it an example of Italian excellence.
During a talk hosted by Intesa Sanpaolo that will kick off with an overview of an ever-evolving landscape, several companies and start-ups will share their journeys toward growth. Insights and tools will then be offered to support the supply chain’s competitive edge and international development.
Panel:
Anna Roscio, Executive Director SME Sales & Marketing Intesa Sanpaolo
Stefania Trenti, Head of Industry and Local Economies Research Intesa Sanpaolo
Giorgio Castagno, Founder, Wave
Stefania Lazzaroni, General Manager, Altagamma Foundation
Ludovica Palomba e Roberto Serafini, Architects and Designers, Founders of Studio Palomba Serafini
Moderator: Enrico Pagliarini
Arena Drafting Futures, Pavilion 14
11:00 – 13:00
Jeanne Gang in conversation with Johanna Agerman Ross
One of the leading voices in architecture, Jeanne Gang is renowned for projects that connect people, their communities, and the natural world. She will be joined by Johanna Agerman Ross, Chief Curator of the Design Museum in London, for a discussion about how we can better recognize the cultural and environmental value of our existing building stock and expand on it in ways that bring new beauty and opportunity to our communities. Reference to Gang’s latest book, The Art of Architectural Grafting, which expands upon her work and research as the founding partner of Studio Gang and a Professor in Practice at the Harvard Graduate School of Design, will illustrate how the horticultural technique of grafting can inspire a fresh paradigm for sustainable design.
Arena “Drafting Futures”, Pavilion 14
16:00 – 17:00
New Shapes of Hospitality
An in-dept chat about a rapidly evolving field with new opportunities and markets to be discovered. Major hotel chains’ buyers and international designers will tackle this subject.
Panellists:
Wu Bin, Designer and founder W.DESIGN
Davide Angeli, Deputy Managing Director, AMDL CIRCLE
Andrea Obertello, General Manager Four Seasons Hotel Milano
Antonio Ducceschi, Chief Commercial Officer, Starhotels Group
Moderator: Lauren Grace Morris, Head of Digital, FRAME
Drafting Futures Arena, Pavilion 14
11:00 – 13:00
Maria Porro in conversation with Hans Ulrich Obrist
An in-depth look into design’s new horizons with Maria Porro, Salone del Mobile.Milano’s President, and Hans Ulrich Obrist, artistic director at the Serpentine Galleries in London, as well as one of the world’s most influential art curators. This will be the perfect occasion to explore future challenges and opportunities through these two professionals who are capable of influencing the evolution of design and architecture as we know it.
Arena “Drafting Futures”, Pavilion 14
16:00 – 17:00
The Present and Future of Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence, or AI, is the term on everyone’s lips. If the hype is to be believed, there are few parts of our lives that will remain untouched by the technology. Governments are wary of its potential harmful usage and the EU recently passed regulatory legislation in the form of the AI Act. With AI able to do everything from crunching data like never before to coming up with architectural master plans based on text prompts, the design world won’t be spared from the shifting grounds. We discuss what AI means for the design and architectural disciplines, and whether it will simply become another tool to help the industry or have a much wider, potentially more disrupting impact.
Panel:
Paolo Ciuccarelli, Direttore del Center for Design alla Northeastern University, Boston, and Fondatore del DensityDesign Lab al Politecnico di Milano
Sherif Tarabishy, Associate Partner, Foster + Partners
Hannes Koch and Florian Ortkrass, Direttori artistici e Co-fondatori Random International
Cas Esbach, Project Leader and Licenced Architect, MVRDV
Moderator: Ed Stocker, Europe’s Editor at Large, Monocle
Arena Drafting Futures, Pavilion 14
08 Apr 2025
14:30 – 15:30
In conversation with Es Devlin
Partecipa:
Es Devlin, Artista
in conversation with Sarah Douglas, Consultant, Advisor e Design Agent
Drafting Futures. Conversations about Next Perspectives
Curated by Annalisa Rosso
Arena Drafting Futures by Formafantasma
Fiera Milano, Rho – Pavilion 14
09 Apr 2025
11:00 – 12:30
In conversation with Valeria Segovia
Designing a New Tomorrow
The future of buildings hinges on how we define great design. It’s time to shift our perspective—not just valuing materials that come straight from the earth, but celebrating those that have lived past lives, transformed and repurposed for a new era. Reused and recycled materials carry an inherent beauty, rich with history, while biomaterials—literally alive with potential—offer groundbreaking opportunities for innovation in the construction industry. Every layer of a building’s past deepens its story, creating spaces imbued with meaning and connection. In many ways, the “new” new build is made from old parts, reimagined for a future that embraces sustainability and creativity.
The Talks are recognised by the Italian National Order of Architects (CNAPPC − National Council of Architects, Planners, Landscape Architects and Conservators) as accredited educational initiatives, each one of which will therefore be worth 2 credits. To ensure credit recognition, pre-registration to the following form is recommended: FORM.
Thursday 09 April
11.00 a.m., in English
Participants: Valeria Segovia, Principal, Design Director Gensler London
in conversation with Massimo De Conti, Architect, Journalist
Drafting Futures. Conversations about Next Perspectives
Curated by Annalisa Rosso
Arena Drafting Futures by Formafantasma
Fiera Milano, Rho – Pavilion 14
14:30 – 15:30
Round Table: Manufacturing excellence and Italian Style around the world
Manufacturing excellence and Italian Style around the world: comparing experiences for growth on international markets
Italian design, a reflection of Italian quality and beauty, creates connections with other Italian supply chains, promoting the spread of ‘Made in Italy’ products all over the world, while boosting both GDP and employment. This example of industrial and manufacturing integration, which has no equal anywhere in the world, has been a key factor in our country’s growth at an international level.
Partecipants:
Stefania Trenti, Head of Industry & Local Economies Research Department Intesa Sanpaolo
Fiorenzo Bandecchi, President Yachtline 1618
Sabrina Berini, Export Manager DEA
Luigi Passera, CEO Lario Hotels
Alexander M. Bellman, Architect
Maurizio Riva, President and CEO Riva1920
Anna Roscio, Executive Director Sales & Marketing Imprese Intesa Sanpaolo
Modera Giusi Legrenzi, Journalist and Radio Speaker RTL 102.5
Curated by Intesa Sanpaolo
Drafting Futures.
Conversations about Next Perspectives
Curated by Annalisa Rosso
Drafting Futures Arena by Formafantasma Fiera Milano, Rho – Pav. 14
16:00 – 17:00
Round Table: The Business of Design
“The Business of Design: Global Perspectives on Trade, E-Commerce, and Distribution” is the title of the Round Table. With contributions from authoritative voices, it explores the crucial challenges and opportunities of an increasingly global industry, providing an overview of how it is being shaped by international trade, e-commerce and distribution strategies.
Wednesday 9 April
4.00 p.m., in English
Drafting Futures. Conversations about Next Perspectives
Curated by Annalisa Rosso
Arena Drafting Futures by Formafantasma
Fiera Milano, Rho – Pavilion 14
10 Apr 2025
11:00 – 12:30
In conversation with Bjarke Ingels
As cities rapidly transform, Bjarke Ingels’ architectural vision redefines the relationship between space, materiality, and interaction, echoing Merleau-Ponty’s phenomenology. In Phenomenology of Perception, he posits that space is a lived experience, shaped through movement, matter, and sensory perception. We do not merely inhabit the world—we engage with it in an embodied, dynamic way. In Ingels’ architecture, this idea manifests in urban spaces that transcend functionality, becoming environments that actively shape experience. Through material experimentation—from the structural solidity of brick to the fluidity of light—and the integration of technology, his work transforms built space into an immersive, interactive organism. Rather than static constructs, his spaces evolve as arenas of play, relationship, and perception. In conversation with Oliva Sartogo, Ingels will explore these themes at Salone del Mobile 2025, reflecting on how materiality, technology, and human interaction can redefine the future of urban design.
Thursday 10th April
11 am, in English
Bjarke Ingels, Architect, Founder and Creative Partner Bjarke Ingels Group
in conversation with Oliva Sartogo, Co-Founder & Architect Lead VIV Arts
The Talks are recognised by the Italian National Order of Architects (CNAPPC − National Council of Architects, Planners, Landscape Architects and Conservators) as accredited educational initiatives, each one of which will therefore be worth 2 credits. To ensure credit recognition, pre-registration to the following form is recommended: FORM.
Drafting Futures. Conversations about Next Perspectives
Curated by Annalisa Rosso
Drafting Futures Arena by Formafantasma
Fiera Milano, Rho – Pav. 14
Ph. REFORM Sofie Mathiassen
16:00 – 17:00
Round Table: The Business of Hospitality
The roundtable “The Business of Hospitality: Where Design Meets Functionality” explores the interplay between aesthetics and functionality in determining success in the hospitality industry. With an eye on innovations in the sector and the theme of sustainability, the meeting analyzes the role of design as an instrument and enabler to improve and respond to the needs of contemporary travelers.
Thursday 10 April
4.00 p.m., in English
Drafting Futures. Conversations about Next Perspectives
Curated by Annalisa Rosso
Arena Drafting Futures by Formafantasma
Fiera Milano, Rho – Pavilion 14
11 Apr 2025
11:00 – 12:30
In conversation with Lesley Lokko
The talk by Lesley Lokko, founder of the African Futures Institute and curator of the 18th International Architecture Exhibition of the Venice Biennale, explores the rapid process of urbanization in Africa and the challenges that this entails in terms of education, sustainability and social innovation. The event aims to analyze the structural deficiencies in architecture and urban planning on the African continent, with an emphasis on the need to develop professional, conceptual and technical skills to deal with the changes taking place. One of the main objectives is to highlight the potential of Africa’s young population as an asset for the global future. With a significantly lower average age than Europe and the United States, the continent’s human capital represents an unexplored source of creativity and innovation. The talk calls for reflection on how it is possible to draw on this energy to rethink architectural and urban planning practices in more sustainable and equitable ways. Finally, Lokko proposes a change of perspective: it is not a question of teaching Africa how to adapt to global standards, but of understanding if and how the world can draw inspiration from situations often considered marginal, yet potentially the bearers of innovative solutions for the future.
The Talks are recognised by the Italian National Order of Architects (CNAPPC − National Council of Architects, Planners, Landscape Architects and Conservators) as accredited educational initiatives, each one of which will therefore be worth 2 credits. To ensure credit recognition, pre-registration to the following form is recommended: FORM.
Friday 11th April
11 am, in English
Lesley Lokko, Founder, Chair African Futures Institute
in conversation with Manuela Lucà-Dazio, Executive Director The Pritzker Architecture Prize
Drafting Futures. Conversations about Next Perspectives
Curated by Annalisa Rosso
Arena Drafting Futures by Formafantasma
Fiera Milano, Rho – Pavilion 14
Discover more, in the interview with Lesley Lokko
Ph. Alix McIntosh
12 Apr 2025
11:00 – 12:30
In conversation with Paolo Sorrentino
The talk by Paolo Sorrentino, moderated by the journalist Antonio Monda, aims to analyze the creative and production processes of auteur cinema, through the experience and poetics of one of the most influential contemporary filmmakers. The encounter presents a reflection in depth on the narrative and stylistic dynamics that characterize Sorrentino’s cinema, with a focus on the construction of the image, the direction of the actors and the writing of films. Through an analytical and methodological approach, participants have the opportunity to acquire tools to understand the language of cinema and the relationship between aesthetic form and narrative content. The talk focuses on the evolution of his style, from his debut to his most recent works, highlighting the dialogue between cinema and other art forms. In addition, the subject of investigation is the recurrent themes of his filmography, such as memory, identity and the representation of power. The educational objective is to provide participants with a critical key to interpret Sorrentino’s cinema, developing a sensibility towards the visual and narrative language.
The Talks are recognised by the Italian National Order of Architects (CNAPPC − National Council of Architects, Planners, Landscape Architects and Conservators) as accredited educational initiatives, each one of which will therefore be worth 2 credits. To ensure credit recognition, pre-registration to the following form is recommended: FORM.
Saturday 12th April
11 am, in Italian
Paolo Sorrentino, Oscar Winner Filmmaker
in conversation with Antonio Monda, Journalist
Drafting Futures. Conversations about Next Perspectives
Curated by Annalisa Rosso
Arena Drafting Futures by Formafantasma
Fiera Milano, Rho – Pavilion 14
Ph. Michael Avedon
