The esteemed Compasso d’Oro Award, founded by Gio Ponti in 1954, marks its 70th anniversary this year. Celebrating seven decades of innovation and creativity, the ADI Design Museum in Milan is hosting an extensive exhibition featuring 174 of the more than 300 projects shortlisted for the latest edition of the award. Running until September 16, this showcase offers a fascinating glimpse into the future of design, spotlighting 20 winners and 39 honorable mentions from the 28th Compasso d’Oro.
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70 Years of Compasso d’Oro at ADI Design Museum
Design in the Era of Uncertainty
The last few years have been characterized by significant global challenges, including geopolitical tensions and the undeniable impacts of climate change. Despite these adversities, the selected projects reflect Italy’s commitment to addressing contemporary issues through thoughtful and sustainable design. The exhibition underscores how design can provide tangible solutions to modern problems, emphasizing reduced waste and the accommodation of evolving housing needs.
Highlights from the Exhibition
Farfallina Chair by Álvaro Siza for Bottega Ghianda
A testament to minimalism and lightness, the Farfallina chair utilizes natural beechwood from the Black Forest and leather, embodying simplicity and elegance. Its design allows for versatile configurations, forming circles or other curvilinear shapes when combined with multiple chairs.
Costume Modular Sofa by Stefan Diez for Magis
Breaking away from traditional sofa structures, the Costume modular sofa innovates with a unique design that eschews both wooden frames with springs and metal cores covered in foam. This modularity not only enhances sustainability by allowing easy disassembly and cover replacement but also introduces new ways of usage, reflecting the growing public awareness of environmental issues.
Standalto by Francesco Binfaré for Edra
Awarded an honorable mention, the Standalto sofa adapts to user needs with a smart cushion featuring a friction mechanism, exemplifying the fusion of comfort and technology.
Responding to Modern Housing Needs
As living spaces shrink due to economic pressures, designers are focusing on creating multifunctional and space-efficient furniture. For instance, the Lhov kitchen unit by Elica, designed by Fabrizio Crisà, integrates a hood, hob, and oven into a compact design, perfect for small homes. Similarly, the MrX pergola by Marco Acerbis for Talenti reimagines traditional shading systems with a versatile design that functions as both a portal and a gazebo.
Noteworthy Mentions
Among the honorable mentions, the Thierry side tables by Piero Lissoni for Kartell stand out for their ability to enhance any environment with their distinctive character. The Groove shower head by Odo Fioravanti for Alpi offers a minimalist design that blends seamlessly into the ceiling, while the Leva handle from DND by Martinelli (designed by Park Associati) exemplifies elegant functionality. The A+E technology project by Caimi Brevetti addresses modern work environments, using a silver metalized technopolymer to reduce electromagnetic fields without disrupting wireless communications.
The Jury’s Perspective
The Compasso d’Oro jury, featuring prominent figures like ADI President Luciano Galimberti and designers Francisco Gómez Paz and Toshiyuki Kita, emphasized the critical themes of technological advancement, poetic maturity in lighting, and workplace safety. They highlighted the role of public bodies in using design to foster new citizen relationships and noted the enriching dialogue between design and art.
Looking Ahead: The Compasso d’Oro International Award
In conjunction with the 70th anniversary celebrations, a special Compasso d’Oro International Award has been announced for Expo 2025 in Osaka. This initiative, in collaboration with the Commissariat General for Italy, invites designers and companies from participating countries to showcase their work at the Italian Pavilion. Designed by Mario Cucinella, the pavilion will reinterpret the Renaissance Ideal City, further cementing the global influence and enduring legacy of Italian design.
The 70th anniversary of the Compasso d’Oro not only commemorates past achievements but also looks forward to future innovations, reaffirming the award’s pivotal role in shaping the world of design.
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