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Isola Design Festival will be held from 7 to 13 April 2025

Italy Architecture News - Feb 28, 2025 - 15:12   477 views

Isola Design Festival will be held from 7 to 13 April 2025

Isola Design is the world’s first digital and physical platform connecting independent designers and studios with industry professionals, brands, curators, journalists, and clients. Its dedicated curatorial team selects projects with a focus on sustainability, innovation, and handcraft.

The 9th edition of Isola Design Festival organized by the digital and physical design platform Isola, will welcome visitors during Milan Design Week, from 7 to 13 April 2025. 

Ahead of the festival, Isola will host a Press Conference on Thursday, 6 March 2025, at 5 p.m. at ZONA K in Via Spalato 11, Milano, unveiling the full program and key highlights of this year’s event.

Isola Design Festival will be held from 7 to 13 April 2025

Isola Design - Dutch Design Week 2024. The Floor is Yours. Image © Marianna Bertoni

Over the years, and more recently with the launch of its Dubai outpost, Isola has evolved into a global platform by staying true to its origins while embracing fresh perspectives in contemporary design. The 2025 edition pays tribute to these roots with the theme Design is Human, a powerful reflection on the role of people in the design process. 

Design should start at a human scale, ultimately enhancing the well-being of both people and the planet. Design is Human highlights the fusion of traditional mastery and digital innovation, reaffirming that human creativity remains at the core of meaningful design. 

Isola Design Festival will be held from 7 to 13 April 2025

Isola Design Festival 2025. Design is Human. Basic Village. Image © courtesy of BasicVillage

As the district has expanded and evolved in recent years, alongside the heart of the neighborhood, a new venue, BasicVillage (Via dell'Aprica 12, Milan) has been added to the circuit, infusing the area with fresh creative energy. Originally built as a rubber factory, this early 20th-century complex is located in the Eastern industrial heart of Isola, near the former Farini railway depot. 

Within its various spaces, Isola will cultivate an atmosphere of creativity and exchange. BasicVillage will be the centerpiece of the festival with a series of carefully curated collective exhibitions by Isola’s team, including Conscious Objects, Isola Design Gallery, and Openspace, each highlighting innovative approaches to contemporary design. Adding to the richness of the event, returning partners such as DesignWanted - presenting the second edition of ENHANCE - along with IAAD, Accademia Italiana, and SAE Institute, will come together, combining their diverse expertise to further elevate and expand this dynamic design hub.

Isola Design Festival will be held from 7 to 13 April 2025

Isola Design Festival 2024_Isola Design Gallery at Lampo. Image © Anwyn Howarth

Showcasing how design is deeply rooted in human stories, heritage, and hands-on creativity, Isola Design Festival will transform the entire Isola neighborhood during Milan Design Week 2025 into the epicenter of exhibitions, installations, lively events, workshops, live demonstrations, and design talks. The focus shifts back to the humans, including those of the neighborhoodwhose identity and craftsmanship not only shaped the festival’s early editions but also keeps the district’s creative spirit alive throughout the year. Among the local entities will be: Brussels House, Ernesto Shop, Fondazione TOG, Galleria Angelo Della Pergola, RivaViva.

Bringing together international designers, studios, creators, and manufacturers, Isola Design Festival 2025 champions a humanity-driven approach to design, exploring themes like social impact, environmental responsibility, functional design, locally sourced materials, and the fusion of digital and artisanal crafts - shaping a new, people-centered design movement. Among the exhibitors in the Isola neighborhood, Arno will present Deus Ex Machina: an ode to MDF; SEKISUI: Beyond Smart Life & Mobility will be a journey on how life can be made more enjoyable with their ambient, intelligent designs that prioritize well-being; and WORTH will showcase projects developed within its incubator programme. ViaFarini will be the backdrop of Rasa - The Indian Collective, an exhibition exploring India’s rich craftsmanship, conceived by Isola Studio with its team in India.

Isola Design Festival will be held from 7 to 13 April 2025

Isola Design - Dutch Design Week 2024_Forms Unfolding. Image © Anwyn Howarth

"Design is Human calls for a deep reflection on the relationship between people and design, to consider how design choices shape our lives, communities, and the environment. True design has to begin with a focus on the human experience and every decision and innovation should be guided by empathy, understanding, and respect for the diverse needs of all people. Nowadays, designers are asked to do more than simply creating visually appealing or efficient products. 

They must approach each project with a sense of responsibility, recognizing the broader impact their work has on society and the planet. This means balancing creativity and innovation with a deep commitment to sustainable practices, ensuring that every design solution contributes positively to the environment and future generations," said Gabriele Cavallaro, co-founder and CEO of Isola Design Group.

Isola Design Festival will be held from 7 to 13 April 2025

Isola Design Festival 2024. In the neighborhood. Image © Anwyn Howarth

Designers have until 20 February 2025 to submit their projects and join the conversation. In the weeks leading up to Milan Design Week 2025, Isola will reveal the full programme of events and participants. 

To participate in the Press Conference (6 March 2025), please RSVP (limited seats) by Monday, 3 March, 2025 to [email protected]. For capacity reasons, a confirmation email will be sent to access the event.

Event facts

Date: 7—13 april 2025
Where: Isola Design District
When:
Monday 7 April: 2 p.m. — 7 p.m.
Tuesday 8 - Saturday 12 April: 10 a.m. — 7 p.m.
Sunday 13 April: 10 a.m. — 3 p.m.

> via Isola Design Festival

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