Architectural Cases

Embracing the Unexpected: Where Industrial Waste Meets Artistic Innovation

The Genesis of "The Paper Log": A Creative Revelation

At Milan Design Week 2026, Issey Miyake unveils "The Paper Log: Shell and Core," an ambitious project conceived by Satoshi Kondo of MIYAKE DESIGN STUDIO and developed in partnership with the esteemed Spanish architecture firm, Ensamble Studio. This initiative focuses on the ingenious repurposing of compressed paper rolls, which are typically discards from Issey Miyake's distinctive garment pleating operations. Each 80-centimeter paper cylinder, previously slated for disposal or recycling, is now reimagined as a foundational element for both furniture and sculptural art, showcasing a forward-thinking approach where industrial remnants ignite fresh creative endeavors. Satoshi Kondo remarked, "Upon first observation, the outcome strikingly resembled a tree log, inspiring its name, 'Paper Log.' The intricate marbling within mirrors the natural rings of a tree. Each log possesses a unique character, dictated by the garment's color pleated on that particular day, as the intense heat and pressure impart its hue onto the paper."

A Symbiotic Partnership: Bridging Fashion and Architecture

The installation, 'The Paper Log: Shell and Core,' is a testament to the seamless collaboration between Issey Miyake's internal project team and the innovative Spanish architects at Ensamble Studio. The project unfolds through two distinct yet interconnected explorations: the 'Shell' and the 'Core.' Ensamble Studio approaches the paper as a malleable sculptural surface, while the in-house team delves into the inherent structural capabilities of the paper logs. This interdisciplinary partnership transcends conventional boundaries between design and architecture, challenging traditional manufacturing norms and fostering a spirit of inquiry that propels significant innovation. Antón García-Abril, architect at Ensamble Studio, explained, "The exhibition aims to bestow diverse forms and materialities upon the same material, ensuring that both explorations honor the intrinsic memory embedded within the paper's structure. When simply unfurled and shaped, it continues to echo the distinctive essence of Issey Miyake."

Exploring "Shell": The Art of Sculptural Form

For the "Shell" series, Ensamble Studio delves into the paper's potential as a solid, sculptural medium. Drawing inspiration from the intricate drapery seen in classical sculptures like Michelangelo's Pietà, the studio investigates how texture fundamentally influences form. By carefully separating a layer and applying a hardening agent, every delicate crease and fold is meticulously preserved, transforming it into a moment of arrested elegance. This design approach creates a secondary skin that envelops familiar shapes, bestowing upon them a renewed and enduring presence. Débora Mesa, also an architect at Ensamble Studio, elaborated, "In our examination of this pleated paper, we also considered the role of folds in sculpting form, as exemplified by the Pietà. Our material research sought to understand the log comprehensively; when you peel back the initial layer, the distinct paper sheets separate, revealing their individual qualities."

Delving into "Core": Unveiling Structural Potential

The "Core" series, developed by the dedicated project team at ISSEY MIYAKE, rigorously explores the paper log's inherent structural capabilities through extensive experimentation. By impregnating the paper with wax, treating it with adhesive, or bundling it together, the team transforms thin slivers into robust furniture prototypes, such as stools and tables. This method remains deliberately minimal and elemental, allowing the intrinsic elegance of the pleated paper to radiate without excessive intervention. Satoshi Kondo further elaborated, "We are seeking alternative ways to engage with the log itself; for instance, by saturating it in wax. Typically, paper is encountered in sheets, never in such fine slivers and filaments. This process strikingly evokes the natural fibers of wood."

An Ongoing Experiment: Art and Functionality Converge

The installation functions as a dynamic laboratory throughout Milan Design Week, demonstrating that even a seemingly insignificant byproduct can be elevated into functional art. It serves as a crucible for shared values, where persistent experimentation culminates in delightful and innovative creations. The collaborative dialogue between the project teams evolves across the Issey Miyake store in Milan, offering visitors a unique opportunity to observe the intricate design process firsthand. The project encourages a deeper contemplation of materials often overlooked, emphasizing that by focusing on the material's 'memory' – the residual imprint of the pleating process – a collection can be crafted that transcends conventional definitions. This transformation illustrates how a garment, originally a spatial layer, now extends its logic into the domestic realm through inventive furniture pieces. Antón García-Abril concluded, "The work profoundly embraces this memory, the material's inherent DNA, which guides its ultimate form and purpose."

During Milan Design Week 2026, the "Room for Dreams" exhibition at the ME Milan Il Duca will host the "Cinema of Dreams," an innovative installation conceived by Paf atelier. This cinematic experience seeks to leverage dreams as a potent force for societal and cultural evolution. Beyond a mere screening room, it represents a dynamic, temporary hub for creative exploration, integrating large-scale art pieces, insightful discussions, and daily rituals. The program, curated with a vision of "Utopian Optimism," invites attendees to delve into a collection of films, shorts, and interviews that champion imaginative concepts, transformative viewpoints, and the spirit of inquiry and innovation in creative endeavors.

This immersive initiative stands as a testament to the power of imagination and the artistic process. It offers a counter-narrative to the fast-paced, often overwhelming environment of contemporary life, proposing a space for reflection, optimism, and the envisioning of alternative futures. By transforming the hotel into a vibrant ecosystem of ideas, "Room for Dreams" and its "Cinema of Dreams" component aim to foster a deeper engagement with design, encouraging visitors to connect with inspiring stories and groundbreaking projects that push the boundaries of creativity.

A Curated Journey Through Visionary Cinema

The "Cinema of Dreams" at Milan Design Week 2026 is set to provide an inspiring cinematic journey, showcasing a rich tapestry of films, short features, and insightful interviews. Each day commences with a compelling series titled "Advice to the Young," featuring wisdom from prominent global figures in architecture, art, photography, and literature, presented in collaboration with the Louisiana Channel. This partnership also brings forth intimate video discussions with cultural luminaries such as Sir Peter Cook and Mariko Mori, offering a direct glimpse into their creative philosophies. The daily schedule includes full-length documentaries and movies, including "E.1027: Eileen Gray and the House by the Sea," which delves into the life and work of the Irish architect, and "Koolhaas Houselife," an exploration of Rem Koolhaas's Bordeaux house through the eyes of its housekeeper. The program also highlights architectural documentation by 9sekunden, directed by Patrick Voigt, focusing on contemporary masters like John Pawson.

Beyond these acclaimed works, the cinema dedicates a special day to Earth Day on April 22nd, presenting films that explore ecological themes, material cycles, and humanity's relationship with other species. Throughout the week, the "Cinema of Dreams" also champions voices from the global creative community, featuring films by Designboom contributors. These include "Sculpting This Earth" by Victor van Aswegen, documenting land artist Strijdom van der Merwe, and "Art Walker" by Tayfun Sarier and Zeynep Oguz, a whimsical short film about a mysterious painting in London. The event will also host two exclusive premieres: "The Talented Mr. Robi" by Carlo Ratti Associati and Makr Shakr on April 23rd, and "Seeing Further" by OPPO and designboom on April 24th, a film captured entirely with OPPO's latest flagship device. This diverse and thoughtfully curated selection ensures that the "Cinema of Dreams" offers a profound and varied exploration of creativity, design, and the human experience.

The Sensory Capsule: A Dream-Inspired Design by Paf Atelier

The "Cinema of Dreams," a unique installation designed by Paf atelier, manifests as a profound sensory capsule that invites visitors into a multi-layered journey of the imagination. Far from a conventional exhibition space, this project transforms dreams into a tangible design language, creating an atmosphere and an experience that challenges traditional perceptions of reality. Paf atelier views the dream not as a mere escape but as a powerful medium for generating narratives, intensifying experiences, and fostering new modes of attention. In an era often characterized by constant acceleration, uncertainty, and overwhelming noise, this installation deliberately carves out a space for introspection, optimism, and forward-thinking projection. It is an environment crafted to encourage a slower pace, allowing for deeper engagement with the presented content and a more personal connection to the concept of dreaming as a constructive force.

This visionary project by Paf atelier is more than just an architectural endeavor; it is a living manifesto where material, advanced technology, and compelling storytelling converge to serve an active and engaged imagination. The atelier firmly believes that designing contemporary spaces involves much more than just aesthetics or functionality; it means creating the essential conditions for people to dream, to believe in possibilities, and to vividly perceive alternative futures. The "Cinema of Dreams" thus functions as a powerful catalyst for creative thought and emotional resonance, positioning itself as a pivotal experience at Milan Design Week 2026. It underscores the transformative potential of design to not only shape physical environments but also to inspire and shape the very fabric of human aspiration and innovation.