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Biophilic cities: inspiration from milan design week 2022

in biophilic cities

Trade shows and design events are occasions to get inspired and find ideas. From my perspective, I always look for insights that resonate with the notion of nourishing spaces, in a combination of biophilic solutions, durability, and conscious design.

Following are my highlights from Milan Design Week 2022…

a green urban pocket

Having the freedom to modify the urban landscape to an extent, temporary installations are occasions to integrate more nature into the city while testing concepts for potentially permanent interventions.

Floating Forest was exactly what the name suggests: a planted area floating on a body of water. Lush and varied greenery gave an authentic sense of natural richness and walking paths were defined by tall trees, which also created an overall sheltered atmosphere. Inside, observation areas opened new vantage points to view the surroundings while preventing the rather small space from feeling claustrophobic. From a material perspective, a contrasting balance of wood and mirror created an immersive and inviting atmosphere. The mirrored base blended the planted area with its surroundings while reflecting the water underneath in a moving light and shadow play. Wood balanced the composition while adding warmth.

Floating forest blending with other greenery nearby.
Credit: Stefano Boeri Interiors
Lush planted pathway into the floating forest and water reflection.
Credit: Stefano Boeri Interiors
Floating forest from the outside.
Credit: Stefano Boeri Interiors - Ph: Fuorisalone

foraging in the city

All materials used in temporary installations open a question: what happens at the end of the event?

Resonating with a considerate approach, Mohd In Bloom involved visitors in taking the installation down. On the last day of the show, visitors could pick the flowers that decorated the showroom and bring them home. An inspiring solution to shine a light on the theme of temporary design as well as an occasion to enrich the urban experience of Milan Design Week with a bucolic foraging experience.

Furniture surrounded by greenery in a showroom.
Credit: Studio Pepe
Showroom integrating planted areas.
Credit: Studio Pepe

multi-sensory nature

AquaSymphony offered an immersive multi-sensory experience crafted around natural elements. Livening up an empty warehouse, lush greenery created a rainforest ambiance, defining a walking path for visitors. Water was incorporated as a source of music, with water drops and jets generating random yet harmonious melodies when tapping on handpans placed underneath.

Water jets spraying from flower-shaped hands.
Credit: Biohabitat Foundation – Ph: Riccardo Diotallevi
Water jets tapping on a handpan.
Credit: Biohabitat Foundation – Ph: Riccardo Diotallevi

As a whole, this Milan Design Week’s highlights offer inspiration on how to incorporate more nature in cities. Floating Forest finds space for a refreshing green island within an existing urban areas. Mohd In Bloom suggests how public flowerbeds and gardens could become more interactive. AquaSymphony offers a new take on water features.