As designers, architects, and creative professionals from around the world arrive in Milan this week to explore the latest trends in design, they’ll discover a new place to “reflect” on their experiences.
3M Desing ITALIA (the design group of 3M Company) has collaborated with Stefano Boeri Architetti to create Urban Tree Lounge, an installation providing Design Week visitors an opportunity to experience magic moments of inspiration and reflection that are made possible when materials and architecture combine in new and creative ways. With shared passion for sustainability and vision to make life better, the two creative teams invite visitors to escape the dynamics of their busy itineraries to relax in a “nest” of kaleidoscopic wonder.
The installation incorporates several 3M materials including films, nonwovens and adhesives to create an experience where light dances, thoughts reflect, and minds (and mobile devices) recharge.
“As creative professionals explore Milan to connect, learn and be inspired, we want them to know design is integral to everything we do at 3M as an innovation company – how we understand the world around us, identify needs and develop thoughtful solutions that can improve life,” said Eric Quint, 3M Chief Design Officer.
“Our design team thrives on collaboration, so it’s a privilege to work with a partner like Stefano Boeri whose architectural influence, urban sensibility and sustainable mindset bring design to life.”
Located at Materials Village, SuperStudio Central Plaza, in partnership with Material Connexion Italia, visitors to Urban Tree Lounge can recline on a mini landscape constructed with 3M Nomad Matting while gazing up to reflect on design through a kaleidoscope of 3M Dichroic Film “leaves” and conceptual arbor made of 3M reflective film. These are just some of the many solutions 3M creates to manage light, improve energy efficiency, and support thoughtful solutions to make a better world. The lounge will allow visitors not only to recharge the creative vitality of mind and body, but also their mobile devices.
“It’s been amazing to work with the 3M Design team,” said Stefano Boeri, CEO of Stefano Boeri Architetti. “Thanks to an energizing exchange of ideas, we were able to achieve the goal of creating a conceptual tree that, like an organic one, absorbs, filters and mirrors the sunlight to create a shadow to reflect and recharge. It’s my hope that this prototype can influence creative approach to design in public spaces.”
Urban Tree Lounge will be open at the following times:
April 12-16 from 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
April 17: from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Urban Tree Lounge will be located at Materials Village, the project of Material Connexion Italia at SuperStudio -Zona Tortona.
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