Design Connection, from Novità

Novità is an award-winning PR, marketing, digital and social media agency, driven by our passion for design, architecture, real estate, art, technology, and culinary excellence and led by our core values of sustainability, wellness, equality and diversity. We are creative connectors, strategists and activators. We are a national team of 27 people in New York, California, Texas, Georgia, and Louisiana. In addition to architecture and design, we love good food, modern art, globe trotting, and curling up with a good magazine or book.

Welcome to the April edition of Design Connection, featuring an interview with Salone del Mobile President Maria Porro and celebrating some of the show’s sustainability initiatives. This edition of the newsletter also offers a look ahead to Coverings in Orlando. Please share with your friends and subscribe to receive the next edition in your inbox or on your Linkedin home page.

A Conversation Between Novità Founder and CEO Chris Abbate and Salone President Maria Porro

Having attended Salone del Mobile on behalf of clients and the agency for many years, it was an honor to sign on as the show’s partner in North America six years ago. Welcomes more than 370,000 visitors each year and showcasing thousands of brands, Salone del Mobile is the heart of one of the buzziest, most vibrant design scenes in the world. Every year, our agency attends with a delegation from our office and is immersed in the dazzling experience that the team at Salone cultivate for a dynamic international audience.?

I recently connected with Salone del Mobile President Maria Porro to learn a little more about her background, what to see at Salone this year, and the best places to dine in Milan.??

CA: Can you share a little bit about your background and how it led you to Salone??

MP: I have always had strong ties to the design industry, growing up around my family’s close-to-a-century-old furniture company, Porro S.p.A., where I am now the Director of Marketing and Communication. In my time professionally at Porro, I have worked hard to grow the company’s international trade network and strengthen its communication strategies, as well as establish a more sustainable design ethos within the brand. Working closely with my father, Lorenzo Porro, and with the Lissoni Associati Studio, we have greatly amplified product development at Porro, making sure to study style trends across fashion, culture, design, and art, and implement more innovative practices in how we create. I am honored to hold two exciting positions that allow me up-close access to the pulse of the design industry; I became the first woman president of Assarredo In 2020 and in July 2021, I was appointed as the President of Salone del Mobile.Milano.

CA:? What's new at Salone this year? What can visitors expect to look forward to??

MP: There are many exciting activations at Salone del Mobile 2023 that attendees can look forward to. This year, there will be 1900 exhibitors, including more than 550 rising designers under 35 and exhibits from 27 design schools. The 550 young designers and students will showcase their designs at the 24th SaloneSatellite, which will feature the inspiring theme, “Design Schools – Universities / BUILDING THE (IM)POSSIBLE. Process, Progress, Practice.”

2023 marks the return of Euroluce, a biennial show-within-a-show dedicated to dazzling lighting design and special exhibits. “The City of Lights,” the interactive experience will feature exhibitions from Massimo Curzi, Hélène Binet, Martina Sanzarello and From outer Space studio, to name a few. Innovative Italian design studio Formafantasma will create three installations for attendees to interact with and experience during the show. Within Euroluce, 12 Constellations—architectural ‘intermezzos’—will host exhibitions, curated by Beppe Finessi and line the entire exhibition path.?

Annalisa Rosso has curated an all-new program of Talks with a particular focus on lighting, technology and sustainability, held in the Euroluce arena, featuring design heavy weights including Formafantasma, Sn?hetta, MAD Architects, Shigeru Ban, and Gaetano Pesce.

Finally, we are thrilled to introduce a new graphic campaign for 2023, led by Leftloft studio and Gio Pastori , consisting of twenty-six brightly colored posters, one for each letter of the alphabet , and each featuring iconic objects around which the international design system has evolved.

CA:? Do you have a favorite memory from past shows you can share??

MP: As a child, I remember attending Salone to visit my father and grandfather at the Porro booth. It was a magical place full of strange things––especially escalators!?

As an adult, without a doubt my standout memory is when Italy’s President, Sergio Mattarella, visited Supersalone that September 2021. It was such a special moment, as it was the first time during the pandemic that the international design community gathered back together in Milan.?

CA: What are some of your favorite spots to eat at in Milan… and your go to dish!?

MP: I love dining at Ratanà, La Casa degli Artisti, Casa Ramen, Aprea at the Fondazione Rovati. In terms of a favorite dish…I am from Emilia Romagna so I love tortellini in brodo… but you can only find that at my house!?

CA: When the show is over, what is your favorite thing to do to unwind??

MP: After 6pm during the show days, you’ll find me exploring the other exhibitions across the city, and of course ending my night at Bar Basso for an aperitivo!

Once Salone del Mobile 2023 is officially over, I plan to immerse myself in my other passions: theater, art, and of course, nature!?

Salone del Mobile will be open at the Fiera Milano exhibition center from April 18-23. Follow @isaloniofficial and @novitapr on Instagram and LinkedIn for news and updates.

Investing in Our Planet Through Design: This Earth Day and Year-Round

Earth Day is around the corner and while it is important to celebrate the day, the commitment to make a positive impact and invest in the planet should be practiced every day. Environmental sustainability is fast becoming a top priority within the design community— according to the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) 2023 Trends Outlook Report: “Consumers, including home buyers, are increasingly factoring sustainability into their purchasing choices, and more say they are willing to pay a premium for some purchases if they are more sustainable.”?

Here are 10 ways to design for a healthier planet, demonstrated by some of the creatives and brands leading the charge in sustainable design:

Regenerative Architecture

Desert Rock, a new project by Oppenheim Architecture is a reflection of the firm’s commitment to find harmony with nature to connect people with place. Says Founder and Principal Chad Oppenheim “Our design philosophy is based on building with the land, not just on it. This led to a resort that is truly regenerative at its core, thanks to its design strategy. We wove this ideology throughout the project and incorporated regenerative ideas into the elements that power the resort. Sustainability was not our only goal for the resort, regeneration was.”

Climate-Focused Architecture

Keng-Fu Lo, one of the most sought-after architects in Taiwan, founded Chain10 Architecture & Interior Design Institute in 1996 with the purpose of combining cutting-edge design and research. Lo believes it is important to build connections between people and the environment and designs with climate change in mind, guiding his emphasis on the relationship between people, life, and space, and allowing his designs to best suit the human experience while not interrupting the environment.

Passive House Design

Motivated to demonstrate that green building and elevated design are not mutually exclusive, Wayne Turett, Founder & Principal of The Turett Collaborative, set out to build his own passive house on the North Fork of Long Island with sustainable materials, green appliances, and meticulous attention to fenestration and insulation. Since, he has become an advocate for green building and sustainable design. “As building professionals we are always looking for innovations in sustainability,” he shares. “When considering sustainable design we tend to think in terms of a single material itself—its makeup and/or whether it off-gasses. However, one of the biggest factors in a product’s sustainability story is its life cycle.”

Designing Eco-Friendly Bathrooms

Duravit has committed to decades of sustainable practices and environmental responsibility for its bathroom fixtures. Ceramic, the cornerstone material for the brand, is one of the most environmentally-friendly and inherently hygienic materials. As opposed to single-use and disposable solutions, Duravit’s ceramic fixtures are durable and long-lasting, capable of withstanding decades of use. A proud WaterSense partner, Duravit’s high efficiency toilets and low flow faucets help to save over 2.1 trillion gallons of water a year. The brand has a declared goal to become climate-neutral by 2045 and to return everything to the production cycle wherever possible, from re-supplied ceramic material to raw materials such as ABS plastics.

Using Premium Energy-Efficient Appliances

Based in New Zealand, Fisher & Paykel’s deep connection to the natural environment continues to influence its operations and design approach, with appliances that prioritize quality, performance and efficiency to reduce its impact on natural resources. The brand’s iconic DishDrawer dishwashing solutions offer users an ergonomic appliance with an Energy Star Rating. With Double DishDrawer models, each drawer offers a true half load for guilt-free small washes.

A Natural Process for Reclaimed Wood

CDA Wood prioritizes sustainability, health, and safety with their patented Xcelerated process, exposing raw lumber to the natural elements of sun, soil, water, and wind. Unlike other reclaimed wood techniques, the Xcelerated process has no risk of being exposed to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) associated with the usage of lead paint, stains, or treatments. The brand has earned certification from the Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) and National Green Building Standard (NGBS), as each wood offering improves indoor air quality by reducing the exposure to pollutants.

Cradle to Cradle Initiative

Spanish Furniture Brand Andreu World is the first company in the industry to have its entire product offering Cradle to Cradle? certified and has furthered its goal by contributing to its sustainability mission with its creation and use of innovative materials. The brand’s Nuez Lounge BIO?, designed by Patricia Urquiola, introduces an outer shell that is 100% recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable. Made using a thermopolymer of natural origin produced by live microorganisms, the chair offers a sustainable yet durable seating option with an ecological profile similar to wood. This lounge chair is offered with various upholstery options including Circular ONE?, Andreu World’s own fabric produced from yarn made with plastics from PET bottles and textile waste. The manufacturing process of this fabric significantly reduces water consumption, the use of polluting chemical components, energy consumption (by 50% with the company’s use of solar energy instead), and CO2 emissions almost completely. Nuez Lounge BIO's cushioning foam is also 100% recycled and recyclable, and without the use of glue in the chair’s design, the chair can be easily disassembled, repaired, and reupholstered.

Upcycling Pre-Used Materials

Designed with upcycled materials like recycled airbags, the sustainable Yamba outdoor collection brings casual comfort to any patio, deck or balcony. In partnering with Rewilder in LA, Room & Board Business Interiors? is utilizing the unique eco-friendly material that is soft to the touch and highly durable to craft a one-of-a-kind outdoor seating option. The collection includes a chaise, chair, ottoman, and pouf, all made with a tear-resistant automotive nylon liner and stuffed with upcycled foam from the mattress/furniture industry.?

Responsible & Conscious Leathership?

Poltrona Frau’s recently relaunched Ouverture sofa, designed by the late Pierluigi Cerri, is available in either Pelle Frau? Impact Less Leather or Pelle Frau? Velvety Leather – two recent introductions that lead with sustainable components in their production. Both leather choices are tanned with less impact on the environment. The total use of chemicals has been reduced by 15% and thanks to cutting-edge wastewater recovery technologies, water consumption has been reduced by 10% in the general tanning, re-tanning and finishing process. Furthermore, any CO2 emitted in the production cycle is being compensated by Poltrona Frau by joining projects approved and certified by UNFCCC.

Eliminating PVC

Momentum’s award-winning Silica collection is an environmentally friendly alternative to vinyl and polyurethane. GREENGUARD certified, Silica is made from 100% silicone without PVC or solvents. Extremely colorfast, durable, antifungal, antibacterial, and easy to clean, Silica’s performance exceeds expectations. The brand’s line of Silica textiles and wallcoverings is an innovative and versatile solution suitable for any high-demand industry, especially healthcare and workplace environments.

Building a Better World - Sustainability is the Theme at This Year’s Coverings and Salone del Mobile Shows

This month in Orlando, Coverings, the global stone and tile show, offers visitors an opportunity to engage with inherently sustainable materials. Ceramics of Italy and the Italian ceramic tile industry are leading the charge for sustainable production, promoting the inherent sustainability of the materials, refining the manufacturing process to make it more sustainable, and considering the finished product’s full lifecycle and end of life. Ceramic tiles, a highlight of the show, are made from simple natural materials, such as clay and sand, mixed, and fired in a relatively simple production process. Unlike many materials on the market today, tiles offer a clean and healthy natural product without off-gassing or other concerning impacts on health and wellbeing.?

Coverings will also offer programming on environmental transparency, sustainable and healthy materials, carbon reduction and green building, and will lead sustainability tours of the show floor.?

Coverings will run from April 18-21. Learn more at coverings.com

Last June, the 60th anniversary of Salone del Mobile was a celebration of sustainable design. At the center of the show, architect Mario Cucinello’s Design With Nature installation championed the circular economy and sustainable materials; themes which reverberated throughout the Fiera Milano fairground.

This year’s Salone del Mobile will feature a continuing interest in sustainable design. President Maria Porro is guiding many of the show’s expanding environmental initiatives. “We are making great efforts to make sure sustainability is front of mind at Salone,” she shares. “As we are at the forefront of design innovation, it is our duty to promote building and design practices that prioritize sustainability and protecting our environment. This year, we are pleased to share that Salone has joined the UN Global Compact (a global pact to help adopt both sustainable and socially responsible policies), and has also begun its application for ISO 20121 certification (the international standard for sustainable events). There will also be a new policy that will eliminate single-use carpets across the show floors.” The show has also drawn up a series of sustainability guidelines for partners and exhibitors, which can be reviewed here.?

Much of show’s 2023 signature programming will explore the themes of nature and sustainability in design and lighting, including a conversation with designer Shigeru Ban, who shares how his social and environmental commitment is reflected in his work, as well as conversations with Sn?hetta and Nao Tamura who also discuss the theme in relation to their design work and their visions for the future. Euroluce, now in its 31st edition, embraces the theme of energy efficient lighting, and a wood and paper installation from Formafantasma will weave through the exhibition revealing a modular light display system that can be reused or recycled at its end of life. SaloneSatellite, the Salone event dedicated to designers under the age of 35, will feature an exploration of the challenges facing upcoming designers and offers a platform to design students to showcase their solutions and their ideal visions for the future.

Salone del Mobile.Milano takes place from April 18-23. Learn more at www.salonemilano.it/en

For your April Calendar

Salone del Mobile.Milano | The world’s biggest furniture and design fair is taking place April 18-23 at Rho Fiera Milano. Learn more.

Coverings | North America’s preeminent event for the ceramic tile and stone industry is taking place April 18-21 in Orlando. Learn more.

Design ADAC | The Atlanta Decorative Arts Center hosts its annual spring market from April 18-20. Learn more.?

Refractory x R HUGHES Showroom Opening | Refractory is taking over R HUGHES' Atlanta showroom from April 20 - May 18th, presenting an immersive installation of its entire portfolio and hosting an opening day celebration from 10am - 4pm during Design ADAC. Learn more.

High Point Spring Market | This celebrated annual spring market comes to life in High Point from April 22-26. Learn more.?

Follow along on our Instagram for updates from our team on the ground at each of these upcoming events.