Architectural Cases

The 64th iteration of the Salone del Mobile.Milano, scheduled from April 21 to 26, 2026, is set to transcend its traditional role as a mere trade fair, embracing an expanded identity as a vibrant cultural and design ecosystem. This year's event, hosting over 1,900 exhibitors across a vast 169,000 square meters at Rho Fiera Milano, introduces groundbreaking curatorial and strategic enhancements. Noteworthy among these are the initial phase of Salone Contract and the launch of Salone Raritas, alongside compelling installations and exhibitions. Collaborations with influential figures such as Rem Koolhaas and Formafantasma underscore a fundamental shift, emphasizing the fair's engagement with both the exhibition venue and the city of Milan through diverse interventions, transforming the urban landscape into an integral part of the design narrative.

A pivotal development for the 2026 edition is the public introduction of Salone Contract, a long-term strategic initiative culminating in a dedicated exhibition in 2027. Orchestrated by Rem Koolhaas and David Gianotten of OMA, this project addresses the evolving landscape of the global furnishing sector, which is transitioning from individual products to holistic systems integrating design, services, logistics, and sustained operational strategies. Rather than presenting a definitive format, the 2026 event frames Salone Contract as a research-driven exploration embedded within the fair. This initiative navigates thematic pathways across various pavilions, illustrating how exhibitors are already operating within intricate ecosystems spanning hospitality, retail, real estate, marine, education, and healthcare. These trajectories reveal a field where value increasingly derives from the synergy between designers, manufacturers, investors, and operators, rather than from isolated design objects. Complementing this, Salone Raritas, making its debut in Pavilions 9-11, introduces a new curatorial dimension. Curated by Annalisa Rosso with exhibition design by Formafantasma, this section brings together approximately 25 international galleries and design platforms to explore collectible design. This focused exploration features unique pieces, limited editions, antiques, and high-end craftsmanship, establishing a direct dialogue with the professional B2B and contract markets. The project redefines rarity not merely as a luxury category, but as a cultural and methodological approach that prioritizes authorship, narrative depth, and material specificity, thereby challenging the conventional divide between collectible and industrial design and highlighting their growing interconnectedness within contemporary architectural and spatial practices.

Expanding beyond the confines of the exhibition center, the Salone del Mobile.Milano extends its influence across the city of Milan, transforming it into an expansive and immersive exhibition platform. During Milan Design Week, over 200 showrooms open their doors, creating a decentralized and dynamic showcase. Key urban interventions further activate this city-wide presence: the Design Kiosk returns to Piazza della Scala as a central hub, and a new project in Piazza del Duomo, developed in partnership with K-Way, features a temporary newsstand that also marks the starting point for a curated architectural itinerary by Bianca Felicori. This route, comprising five stops throughout the city, reimagines Milan's architectural heritage through ephemeral textile installations, offering a fresh perspective on familiar urban spaces. Additionally, the fourth edition of Drafting Futures: Conversations about Next Perspectives, curated by Formafantasma, continues to serve as an interdisciplinary exchange hub, bringing together thought leaders such as Tosin Oshinowo and David Barragán. Simultaneously, SaloneSatellite remains a crucial platform for emerging talent, showcasing over 700 designers under 35 from 43 countries, alongside 23 international educational institutions. Focused on the theme of 'Skilled Craftsmanship + Innovation,' this platform champions projects that blend manual expertise with technological advancements, emphasizing circular economies, local identities, and innovative production paradigms.

The Salone del Mobile.Milano 2026 demonstrates a visionary commitment to evolving the design exhibition model. By integrating groundbreaking curatorial strategies, fostering collaborative industry dialogues, and transforming the urban fabric of Milan into an expansive stage, the event reaffirms its role as a leading global platform for design innovation and cultural exchange. This comprehensive approach not only celebrates exceptional design but also stimulates critical discourse, promotes sustainable practices, and inspires a future where creativity and collaboration lead to more integrated and thoughtful living environments.

On the remote island of Sagishima in Japan, a new luxurious and environmentally conscious resort, Not a Hotel Setouchi, has recently been unveiled. Designed by the renowned Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), this expansive property spans 30,000 square meters and comprises three distinctive villas, a private beach, and a sophisticated beachfront dining establishment. The project showcases a harmonious blend of innovative architecture and traditional building techniques, completed in less than two years.

Architectural Ingenuity Meets Serene Coastal Living in Setouchi

In the picturesque embrace of the Seto Inland Sea, BIG's architectural vision for Not a Hotel Setouchi has come to fruition on Sagishima Island. The resort officially opened its doors, presenting a unique residential and leisure experience. At the heart of this development are three exquisite villas, meticulously crafted from local soil using the ancient rammed earth construction method. This technique not only grounds the structures in their natural surroundings but also minimizes their environmental footprint. These dwellings are skillfully sculpted into the island's undulating terrain, offering breathtaking vistas of the surrounding sea and landscape.

The visionary design, spearheaded by BIG's team including Partners in Charge Bjarke Ingels and Leon Rost, along with Project Manager Yu Inamoto and Design Lead Ryohei Koike, emphasizes a deep connection with nature. The resort operates under a fractional ownership model, a distinctive approach by NOT A HOTEL, extending its network of high-end vacation properties across Japan. The development was supported by a team of collaborators including Maeda Corporation and Arup Japan, ensuring both structural integrity and aesthetic excellence. Kenta Hasegawa's evocative photography captures the essence of this remarkable fusion of architecture and environment.

The creation of Not a Hotel Setouchi serves as a compelling example of how luxury and sustainability can coexist. The integration of local materials and traditional building practices, combined with modern design principles, offers a fresh perspective on resort architecture. It challenges conventional notions of hospitality, suggesting a future where development respects and enhances its natural context. This project inspires a deeper appreciation for architectural design that is both innovative and responsible, providing a tranquil escape that resonates with its serene island setting.