Towards the XXII Triennale di Milano

From 1 March to 1 September the theme is “Broken Nature: Design Takes On Human Survival”, a thorough exploration of man’s bonds to the natural environment

The relationship between man and environment is a source of interesting study and research. Over the years this connection has been compromised and, in certain cases, even destroyed. Restorative design deals with restoring or improving the reality of this situation. It is this very topic, Broken Nature: Design Takes On Human Survival, that is the theme of the XXII Triennale di Milano.

Paola Antonelli Triennale, © Gianluca Di Ioia
Paola Antonelli Triennale © Gianluca Di Ioia

Exhibitions, events, and awards will alternate with one another, entertaining visitors from 1 March to 1 September.
Paola Antonelli, curator of the exposition, Senior Curator of the Architecture and Design Department, and Director of the MoMA’s Research and Development Department says, “The concept of restorative design, which is the focus of the 22nd Triennale di Milano and of the thematic exhibit in particular, reverberates with strength and sensitivity among the international participants. It allows us to continue believing in the power of design to help people understand complexity, evaluate risks, adapt their behaviours, and demand change.”

Jorge Mañes Rubio and Amanda Pinatih, Design Museum Dharavi. 2016. Courtesy the designers
Jorge Mañes Rubio and Amanda Pinatih, Design Museum Dharavi. 2016. Courtesy the designers

This year there’s something new. For the first time the Triennale di Milano will present the Bee Awards. An international jury will come together in Milan on 27 February to select three international participants who will be chosen on the basis of the precision of their interpretation of the theme and the quality and relevance of the ideas they put forth. The prizes –Golden Bee, Black Bee, and Wax Bee – will be realised by three Italian artists: Chiara Vigo, Oli Bonzanigo, and Bona Calvi. The winners will be announced during the inauguration of the 22nd Triennale di Milano, on 28 February 2019.

Paola Bay and Armando Bruno, Reliquaries. 2018. Courtesy the designers
Paola Bay and Armando Bruno, Reliquaries. 2018. Courtesy the designers
Formafantasma, Ore streams, cubicle
Formafantasma, Ore streams, cubicle

Another event that is not to be missed is La Nazione delle Piante [Plant Nation], an immersive exhibition that refers to the theories developed by Stefano Mancuso, renowned plant neurobiologist. Mancuso’s assumption begins with the belief that we must learn from plants in order to avoid a catastrophic future for humanity. Plants have lived on earth since long before there were people and have adapted to every condition.