The ecological and artistic ambitions of the Salone del Mobile 2022

The Salone del Mobile, which opens its doors on 7 June, will be special in more ways than one. Not only because it is the most important design exhibition in the world, but also because this year it celebrates its sixtieth anniversary and returns after two editions were cancelled due to the pandemic. It is also the first time that the presidency is held by a woman, Maria Porro, and many believe that it will be a time of great change. Born in Como in 1983, the young president has long been connected to the design world. Marketing and communications director of Porro Spa, a historic brand of Italian design, she graduated in stage design from the Academy of Fine Arts in Brera, and has worked in the world of theatre, art and major events as a designer, coordinator and curator. She talks about the changes to come in an exclusive interview with Luxury Tribune.

This is your first Salone del Mobile. What are the priorities you want to highlight in this important edition, also given the complex historical context we are facing?

We are unique in the world. Without changing the structure, we now want to highlight the strengths of the companies, after two long years of absence. The idea is not just to be a product fair, but an event with large installations that highlight the lifestyle of companies. Its role is to be an accelerator of processes and trends, and above all of sustainability, with, for example, Mario Cucinella's pavilion and its marioteca made with sustainable materials that reflect on issues of the circular economy. The major trends will also be visible in our large bookshop, the meeting areas and the conferences. I'm also thinking of the Salone Satellite, dedicated to young creators, which mobilises start-ups and the big companies of the future, which will be particularly visible at the entrance to the Salone and open to the public free of charge, in line with our desire for inclusion and sharing. There will also be numerous initiatives in the city, in line with our role as a vector of culture, including an important partnership with La Scala. Lorenzo Viotti's direction of the Etoile Bolle will go beyond the walls of the theatre, through live streaming, a sign of our desire to involve everyone in this event.

Tell us about Mario Cucinella's Design with Nature installation, and its messages about sustainability in relation to new ecological lifestyles. He talks about a real system of ecosystems. What does he mean?