Monday Meeting #3
Welcome back to Superlab's Monday Meeting! We're a research and design studio focused on helping businesses and organizations evolve for the future. Think of us as an external R&D team turning ideas into reality. Every Monday, we share insights from our research, studies, and discoveries, aiming to stay ahead in design, branding, and future strategies. Join us for a direct dive into our weekly findings and discussions.?
Spring is gradually making its presence known, ushering in a wealth of exciting events in the design world. We're eagerly anticipating Southern Sweden Design Days, Salone del Mobile in Milan, and Trends and Tradition in Copenhagen. Later this summer, we'll also be attending 3 Days of Design in Copenhagen. It's truly an exciting time! We're hard at work preparing prototypes and eagerly looking forward to mingling with fellow enthusiasts who share our passion for form and design. Milan stands as the Mecca of design fairs, and over the past few weeks, we've been keeping a close eye on all the captivating happenings there – experiences you won't want to miss. Enjoy!
Meeting Agenda
???? Salone del Mobile - Milan?
?? Explore new materials in Milan?
? Sustainable design takes center stage at Milan fair?
??♂? “Fair walking” increases your creative thinking ability by 60%?
?? The new EU law on time reporting: Promoting healthy work environments
Salone del Mobile in Milan?
Each year, leading experts, designers, and enthusiasts from around the globe gather in Milan to explore the latest in design and discover the most innovative and inspiring products and concepts. During these intense days, Milan transforms into a vibrant platform for creativity, innovation, and business opportunities, where exhibitions, seminars, and special events fill the city's streets and exhibition halls. The main event Salone del Mobile takes place at Rho Fiera (April 16-21) In a massive trade show venue on the outskirts of Milan. However different venues and exhibitions are to be explored in various parts of the city.
One of the most exciting features of the year is filmmaker David Lynch's tribute to design and interiors through two 'Thinking Rooms'. These 'Thinking Rooms' are not just typical exhibition spaces but rather experiential environments designed to provoke introspection and contemplation. Visitors are invited to step into these rooms, which serve as portals into Lynch's cinematic universe, where dreams and nightmares intersect, challenging conventional interpretations of space and perception.
Fuorisalone, translated as "outside the fair," encompasses countless events and exhibitions that you absolutely shouldn't miss. It’s a journey through the streets and squares of Milan, where important venues such as Triennale Milano, Capsule Plaza, Alcova, and Dropcity welcome visitors with inspiring exhibitions and projects.
Additionally, Milan's beautiful palaces open their doors to the public to showcase exciting installations and products, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the city's cultural heritage in a unique way. With so many exciting events and places to explore, Milan Design Week 2024 is an event not to be missed for design enthusiasts and industry professionals alike
The must-sees ??
'Under the Surface'
Where: Salone del Mobile 2024?
What: An installation reflecting on the role of water in bathroom design and its impact on our daily habits.
'Design Kiosk'?
Where: Piazza della Scala?
What: A platform for art and design publications and creative conversations during a week, created by DWA Design Studio and Corraini. https://www.salonemilano.it/en/articles/design-kiosk-salone-del-mobilemilano-city
'Class of '24'?
Where: Triennale Milano?
What: An exhibition celebrating emerging design talents from around the world, presented by Wallpaper*.?
'Emeco to Emeco'?
Where: Triennale Milano?
What: An exhibition designed by Jasper Morrison to celebrate 80 years of the American brand Emeco.?
'Universo Satellite'?
Where: Triennale Milano?
What: An exhibition marking 25 years of Salone Satellite and supporting emerging designers, curated by Marva Griffin Wilshire. https://www.salonemilano.it/en/session/universo-satellite?
'Capsule Plaza'?
Where: Spazio Maiocchi and Corso Como 10?
What: A collection of modern brands and creative talents pushing the boundaries of furniture and product design.?
'Drop City'?
Where: Magazzini Raccordati, Tunnel 50, 56, 142, and more.?
What: A series of exhibitions and projects exploring various aspects of design in a unique environment near Stazione Centrale.?
'Bagni Misteriosi'?
Where: Via Carlo Botta, 18?
What: An installation by Azimut offering a multisensory experience and unveiling the new Seadeck 6, featuring interiors by Matteo Thun and Antonio Rodriguez. https://azimutyachts.com/en/news-events/news/azimut-yachts-at-milano-design-week-2024/?utm_source=Dezeen&utm_medium=sponsored_post&utm_campaign=MDW24?
Milanese Palazzos?
Visit various historic palaces around the city opening their doors to exciting installations and exhibitions, including Palazzo Visconti, Palazzo del Senato, but most notably a magical installation at Palazzo Isimbardi.?
There's so much to check out this year that it would take us a decade to collect. And since Designboom already did that with nice pictures and everything, we highly recommend you to click this link: https://www.designboom.com/design/designbooms-guide-milan-design-week-2024/
领英推荐
Explore new materials in Milan
Exploring new materials has become a significant part of the Salone del Mobile experience. Exhibitors frequently showcase innovative materials that push the boundaries of traditional design and construction. These materials may include sustainable options, such as recycled or environmentally friendly materials, as well as cutting-edge technologies that offer unique properties and aesthetic possibilities. Visitors to Salone del Mobile can expect to encounter a diverse range of materials used in furniture, decor, and architectural elements, providing insight into the latest trends and advancements in design.
We recommend ??♂?:?
'Mater Design - New Material'
Materdesign is constantly working to develop and enhance the materials they use for their products. And not only that, it looks fantastic. In Milan, they're showcasing a new table designed by Patricia Urquiola in a unique biodegradable blend of Matek (Mater's own material).
'Arper - New manufacturing method'
Explore the latest from Arper with their new chair shell, PaperShell, crafted from 29 layers of paper bonded with natural resin. Through pyrolysis, the shell transforms into biochar, a high-carbon substance that effectively captures carbon dioxide. This process ensures minimal environmental impact, completing the cycle by turning waste into a resource to enrich soil and support biodiversity.
Sustainable Design Takes Center Stage at Milan Fair
Sustainable design has emerged as one of the key topics for Milan this year, and it's something everyone is grappling with. Everyone strives to do the right thing, but the question is: are they succeeding? Many are striving to develop the latest materials or the most innovative manufacturing methods while maintaining an attractive and indispensable design.
But far too few grasp the bigger picture. Sure, fantastic materials can be created by mixing various substances, which can be both durable and beautiful. But in the long run, the material may prove to be worthless. By blending different plastics, adhesives, and natural materials, it becomes impossible to separate the material in the future. This results in many industries ending up with materials they cannot handle within a circular system.
The situation is exacerbated by the escalating market in the EU, where unregulated plastic granules from Asia are cheaply purchased to produce "eco-friendly" furniture from recycled materials.
Never before have there been so many aspects to consider when designing a product or inventing a new material. But there are glimmers of hope out there as more and more companies begin to understand the need for a holistic perspective.
Sustainable design is about considering the entire lifecycle of a product. It's about using strong materials and smart technology to extend and track the lifespan of products while avoiding creating products that become obsolete too quickly. It also involves designing with the ability to easily replace or repair parts of the product if something breaks, instead of discarding the entire product.
Another important concept is designing for disassembly. This means making products easy to disassemble so that broken parts can be replaced or recycled efficiently. By avoiding the use of adhesives and reducing the number of materials and components in a product, recycling can be facilitated. The aim is to have materials that are as clean as possible.
Sustainable design also involves considering the entire lifecycle of a product, including how raw materials are extracted, how the product is manufactured, how it is used, and how it is disposed of. It involves finding ways to use renewable energy sources, reduce the use of hazardous chemicals, and optimize transportation and distribution.
By using a systematic method to evaluate and improve the entire production process, companies can reduce their impact on the environment and society while creating high-quality products that are functional for the user. Additionally, ensuring fair labor conditions and safety throughout the product chain is essential. This is when we can finally talk about sustainable design.
"Fair walking" increases your creative thinking ability by 60%
The Milan Fair is incredibly massive, and a day tour through its sprawling halls racks up a minimum of 20,000 steps. But let me tell you, it's worth it. Not only will you be inspired for a year ahead, but the stroll will also get those creative juices flowing. And not just a bit!
An old study from Stanford University (April 24, 2014) has recently been illuminated once again, shedding new light on its findings and implications. This research, which delved into the relationship between physical activity and creative thinking, has resurfaced in discussions among scholars and researchers alike.
The study unveiled a fascinating connection: walking significantly enhances creative inspiration. Remarkably, creative output surged by an average of 60% when individuals engaged in walking compared to sedentary activities. Whether participants were strolling indoors, outdoors, or even on a treadmill, the benefits persisted, highlighting the universality of this phenomenon.
Fast forward to today, and the findings of this study continue to reverberate. Recent research led by Dr. Chong Chen, an assistant professor in the department of neuroscience at Yamaguchi University in Japan, has provided further insights into the mechanisms behind this relationship. Dr. His study identified different types of creativity, including divergent and convergent thinking. Divergent thinking involves generating many different ideas, while convergent thinking is about finding a specific solution. The results showed that different forms of physical activity affect creative thinking in different ways. For example, natural walking improved divergent thinking, while other intensities and types of exercise had varying effects. There's also potential for physical activity to improve mood, which could further enhance creative thinking. This is great news for us who struggle to sit all day by our desks!?Lace up your sneakers and take a stroll—your next great idea might just be a few steps away.
Read more about the study: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s44202-024-00114-9
New EU law on time reporting: Promoting Ethical Employers and Healthy Work Environments.?
How do you track your time when you're at a trade show? It's a question many of us ponder as we navigate through bustling exhibition halls and engaging presentations. But beyond the logistics of managing time at events like these, there's actually been some serious buzz in recent weeks about a new EU law regarding time reporting in workplaces. This decision to implement compulsory time tracking for businesses stems from several significant factors.
Firstly, it aims to combat social dumping and guarantee fair compensation for workers based on the hours they dedicate to work. This is particularly crucial in an era where remote work and varied work locations are increasingly prevalent.
Secondly, the EU seeks to safeguard workers' rights and ensure adherence to the Working Time Directive. This directive establishes guidelines for work hours, rest intervals, and vacations, all crucial for the welfare and wellness of employees.
Lastly, the EU aims to curb tax evasion and fraudulent practices by mandating accurate time tracking. This measure facilitates governmental oversight and regulation of companies' operations and tax obligations.
We find it interesting since we don't view it as just another tedious regulation filling up legal documents - it holds the potential to bring about significant changes in how we work and how we feel at work. By fostering transparency with work hours and empowering employees to better balance work and leisure, it can mitigate the risk of burnout and foster a healthier, more enjoyable work atmosphere.
Furthermore, keeping tabs on work hours can serve as an early detection method for stress and other workplace issues. By monitoring time usage, companies can address problems proactively, preventing them from escalating. And when companies prioritize their employees' well-being, it becomes easier to attract and retain top talent.
In Sweden, no timetable has yet been established for implementing the directive, while in Denmark, it is expected to come into force on July 1, 2024.
In summary, the new EU law on time reporting is not just a legal obligation but also an opportunity for companies to strengthen their brand, promote a healthy work environment, and attract talent.
Taking it a step further, we argue that this could revolutionize individuals' relationship with their time. Yes, we've been on top of this for a while and we are working on a solution already. We're convinced it's the future for both individuals and organizations. If you want to stay in the loop for the release, feel free to follow Super_sync on Instagram.
https://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=706&langId=en&intPageId=205 https://www.instagram.com/super_sync/?
Until next time,?
XOXO Superlab!