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We scoured Milan for highlights, which included two very different shows by Cotto, an entertaining mobile kitchen by Konstantin Grcic and a bathroom with a stern modernist aesthetic by Norm Architects Cotto On the other side of town, Cotto was behind a more experimental show of bathroom design. Another Perspective challenged 10 young designers to rethink the spaces in which we beautify ourselves. Osiloi (pictured) by Rui Pereira and Ryoke Fukusada was one strong response – the towel ladder, vanity unit, stool and storage unit were inspired by the transformative rituals of Japanese maiko, who spend hours applying white powder to face and neck. A low cushion stool, bamboo-framed mirror and soft warm colours not usually seen in bathrooms suggested a more natural environment for beautification. Another eye-catcher was Dressing by Atelier2+ – the ambiguous piece functions as wardrobe, sink and dresser all in one. Piero Lissoni Piero Lissoni and Thai bathroom brand Cotto transformed the courtyard of Milan’s crumbling Spazio Alatha with an installation of huge tile slabs reflected by mirrored walls. Pristine displays of the Italian designer’s Pætchwork collection – which includes glossy white sanitary ware and chromed taps as well as tiles in stone, ceramic and porcelain – were set off against the decaying stonework of the surrounding rooms. Lissoni’s tiles are restrained and formal with a colour palette reminiscent of a fine Italian suit: white, beige, dark blue, grey and graphite. Each comes in a matte or glossy version and has subtle raised patterns of checks and stripes.
Konstantin Grcic Valcucine’s Brera showroom played host to Tempting Art, a food-design exhibition curated by Maurizio Galante and Tal Lacman. Twenty-two stars of architecture and design contributed pieces of miniature edible art, including a cow-shaped beef sandwich by Gaetano Pesce. The Italian brand also debuted Genius Loci, a kitchen by Gabriele Centazzo that incorporates a drawer system inspired by old-fashioned bureaus; and Grill Royal by Konstantin Grcic for Wallpaper* Handmade, an ingenious freestanding kitchen based on Valcucine’s Meccanica system.
Norm Architects Kasper Ronn and Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen (better known as Danish studio Norm Architects) showed this minimal four-piece collection for the Italian bathroom furniture brand ex.t in Tortona during the Salone. The Stand bathtub and sink are made of a white man-made composite material that contrasts with the slender supports in cylindrical black metal. Completing the collection are the Felt shelf, which uses a metal grid design that looks like it would be at home in the Bauhaus, and Hat, a small pendant light with a wooden shade that is based on the moulds around which felt hats are shaped. Register to attend UK Construction Week in October for more kitchen and bathroom suppliers |
Words Riya Patel |
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