Pure volumes, minimal or non-existent decoration, primacy of functionality, harnessing new materials: from the Casa del Fascio in Como to the railway station in Florence, the story of an experimental period that, after almost a century and several attempts at damnatio memoriae, remains a tangible presence in Italy.
Bill Durgin’s photos for the Salone 2025 campaign on show in Milan

Exhibition view, Via Dante, Milan - Ph. Andrea Mariani
In Via Dante, in the heart of the city, ten maxi-photographic panels tell the story of the "Thought for Humans." project devised by Dentsu Creative Italy and entrusted to the American photographer
Design, body and sustainability are the focus of the Salone del Mobile.Milano’s new communication campaign. As of Tuesday 25th March, the “Thought for Humans.” project devised by Dentsu Creative Italy will be the protagonist of a special installation in the heart of the city of Milan: a photographic exhibition will kick off in Via Dante, valorising and telling the behind-the-scenes story and the genesis of the project, providing special insights aimed at visitors.
Ten maxi panels will host the photos by the New York artist and photographer Bill Durgin, known for his ability to deconstruct and reinterpret the human body. The “Thought for Humans.” campaign, is not simply limited to presenting design as an object or a function, but explores its deepest essence: its relationship with the human being.
Durgin's evocative images illustrate the encounter of light, wood, metal, fabric and bioplastic with human skin, channelling the message of sustainability and connection. Five shots illustrate how human and material intelligence can be integrated into a synergistic project, reflecting the essence of contemporary design.
The images are accompanied by insights from FLA Plus, the long-term project that accompanies companies in the furnishing and wood supply chain as they address the issues of environmental, energy, social and economic transition, through initiatives and services. Among these is the library of innovative and sustainable materials available for companies to consult in order to access information on new materials suitable for the wood-furnishing industry, promoting conscious and responsible choices of brands, which can thus improve their impact on both the environment and the production chain.
The exhibition will run until 15th April.

A play space is a serious matter
Not just fun places, but true places of social focus, where individuals gather, create bonds and build trust

The second edition of the Roundtables on Milan Design (Eco) System
Discussions ranged from the role of cultural policies and training, the appearance of new publics and emerging practices, all the way to innovative networks between territories and design. This is an account of the day’s work on Thursday 25 September, as part of the research project promoted by the Salone del Mobile and the Politecnico di Milano