During Salone del Mobile 2023 in Milan, Poliform unveiled Percezioni, a multisensory installation created to introduce its new outdoor furniture collection, transforming one of the most evocative locations in Brera into a universe of calm and beauty amid the usual Fuorisalone chaos.
Poliform outdoor collection within the cloisters of San Simpliciano
The floor of the 15th-century architecture of the San Simpliciano cloisters was covered in black lapilli (volcanic rock fragments), while emerging Italian composer Caterina Barbieri's symphony Perennial Fantas immersed visitors in a meditative musical space. The installation was inspired by a contemplative relationship between humans, nature, and the landscape – a reflection that also influenced the design of the new outdoor collection, including sofas, armchairs, tables and accessories designed by Jean-Marie Massaud, Emmanuel Gallina, Marcel Wanders and Soo Chan, as well as the Land outdoor kitchen.
The music was created to complement the subtle but distinct sound made by visitors as they slowly walked on the stone chippings, while the new pieces featured in the installation, with their innovative dark iroko wood finish, blended perfectly with the stones. The setting also allowed attention to be focused, celebrating the details and craftsmanship without distraction, according to individual perceptions.
Among the various products interpreting Poliform's alfresco lifestyle vision was ‘Mad Out’, an extension of Marcel Wanders' ‘Mad’ collection, with the iconic soft, curved lines adapted to suit the outdoors. Despite the obvious connection, it is clear that ‘Mad Out’ is intended for open-air environments: Wanders designed a range of pieces that are not only stylish but also durable and functional, to ensure longevity and allow use in different weather conditions. With the tubular backrests embraced by hand-braided rope, there is an obvious transparency characteristic in the enveloping seating, a light effect that maintains the style of the archetypal indoor armchair while functionally allowing air and light to filter through.
The ‘Mad Out’ series, which is available in three colours (cream, brick, and brown), includes a three-seat sofa, an armchair, and coffee tables with lava stone tops that can be decorated with a glass powder decoration.
-
Milan Fashion Week Men’s A/W 2025 highlights: Dolce & Gabbana to Emporio ArmaniDespite a reduced schedule, Milan Fashion Week Men’s arrives this weekend with plenty of intrigue, beginning with high-wattage shows from Dolce & Gabbana and Emporio Armani. Wallpaper* fashion features editor Jack Moss reports from Milan
-
Rio Kobayashi’s new furniture bridges eras, shown alongside Fritz Rauh’s midcentury paintings at Blunk SpaceFurniture designer Rio Kobayashi unveils a new series, informed by the paintings of midcentury artist Fritz Rauh, at California’s Blunk Space
-
New York restaurant Locanda Verde’s second outpost will transport you to a different time and placeLocanda Verde’s expansive new Hudson Yards osteria exudes a sophisticated yet intimate atmosphere overflowing with art treasures
-
Year in review: top 10 design stories of 2024Wallpaper* magazine's 10 most-read design stories of 2024 whisk us from fun Ikea pieces to the man who designed the Paris Olympics, and 50 years of the Rubik's Cube
-
The future of Salone del Mobile: new report quantifies impact of the world's biggest furniture fairFor the first time, Salone del Mobile reports on its size and impact. ‘Milan Design (Eco) System’ puts Salone into numbers, allowing its future and challenges to be addressed
-
Design showcase Alcova announces its 2025 locations in MilanAlcova, the roving design exhibition, will expand its footprint with two new locations in the northern Milan suburb of Varedo – a former factory and ancient greenhouses
-
Elevate your interiors with Wallpaper* July 2024, the Design DirectoryWallpaper* July 2024 rounds up the best new furniture, lighting, kitchens, bathrooms and more – on sale now
-
Casa Mutina displays Ronan Bouroullec's creative universeRonan Bouroullec's designs for Mutina at Milan Design Week 2024 include outdoor tiles as well as ceramic editions
-
Jaipur Rugs unveils collaboration with Chanel's yarn maker Vimar1991During Milan Design Week 2024, Jaipur Rugs demonstrated its expertise through a collaboration with Chanel-owned yarn experts Vimar1991
-
Wallpaper* and SNOW explore the alchemy of grown diamonds in a new filmWallpaper* and grown-diamond specialist SNOW partnered on the Class of ’24 exhibition during Milan Design Week 2024 and a new film exploring the art and alchemy of the laboratory’s process
-
Adal brings Japan's disappearing natural materials to furniture designJapanese brand Adal Look into Nature exhibited for the first time at Salone del Mobile 2024, showcasing its contemporary products made using igusa, a traditional material whose manufacturing is slowly disappearing
