Mondi Connessi: Designing for a Connected World

Mondi Connessi - "Connected Worlds" - explores the intersections of hybridization, cross-pollination, and the exchange of diverse languages and forms of knowledge. It’s a forward-looking theme that challenges designers to think beyond traditional boundaries, inviting them to engage with the ever-evolving dialogue between technology, culture, and the natural environment.

This next edition’s theme of Fuorisalone 2025 emerges as a natural evolution of the previous ones. From "Forms of Living" in 2021 to "Between Space and Time" (2022), from "Future Lab" (2023), to last year's "Materia Natura", which explored the delicate balance between the natural world and material innovation as a wellspring of creativity. The ongoing narrative reflects Fuorisalone’s commitment to a conscious design culture, that could embraces new forms of knowledge and the power of generative intelligence.

Connected Worlds joins this trajectory, offering a deeper exploration of the synergies between design, artificial intelligence, and collective participation. This year's theme envisions a future where creativity and technology harmoniously intertwine to craft immersive and interactive experiences. Far more than just a tagline, Connected Worlds invites us to ponder how design can bridge the diverse dimensions of our existence.

Credits event Preciosa Fuorisalone 2024

“A chance to explore design’s potential in fostering meaningful connections between natural environment, technological innovation, and cultural traditions” says the Studiolabo team, who have been refining the theme concept in the weeks following Milan Design Week 2024. Their goal? To spark dialogue among industry insiders and inspire fresh ideas around the role of design in shaping our shared future.
This year’s theme is poised to fuel thought-provoking discussions, offering a platform to rethink the relationship between human creativity, technology, and nature. Below are key aspects that encapsulate the essence of this year’s vision:

A New Dialogue Between Physical and Digital
Imagine a home where smart devices not only simplify daily tasks but also communicate with each other to create a more sustainable environment. Thanks to the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence, living spaces become intelligent ecosystems. As designer Tom Dixon highlights, "The future of design lies in seamlessly integrating technology into everyday life, enhancing quality without sacrificing aesthetics."

Cultural Connections and Sustainability
Design as a bridge between cultures is another key element of the Connected Worlds theme. Fuorisalone's installations and events often reflect how cultural influences can enrich one another, fostering a global dialogue. Sustainability remains a cornerstone of contemporary design, with projects showcasing how green technologies and renewable energy can be embedded into urban and domestic settings.
A leading example of this is the work of Formafantasma, who explore the use of unconventional materials in architecture. "We want to show how sustainable design can not only reduce environmental impact but also create beautiful, functional spaces," say the studio's founders.

Public Spaces and Inclusivity
Connecting people through the design of public spaces is another key theme. Architects and designers are tasked with creating environments that foster social interaction and inclusivity. The work of Snøhetta, which focuses on inclusive public spaces that promote social engagement, stands as a prime example. As Kjetil Trædal Thorsen, co-founder of Snøhetta, observes, "Architecture should be a tool to bring people together, build communities, and promote a sense of belonging."

Urban Mobility and Innovation
In an increasingly urbanized world, sustainable mobility is essential. Fuorisalone serves as a platform for exploring innovative urban mobility solutions designed to connect people and places. From electric vehicle design to shared mobility infrastructures, it’s fascinating to see how design - as both a cultural and intellectual practice - can contribute to create more livable, connected cities.

A Vision of the Present that Foresees the Future
Connected Worlds is more than just a theme - it’s a vision for a future where design and artificial intelligence collaborate to create a more interactive, immersive, and connected world. Milan Design Week 2025 could very well be a laboratory of ideas where the future of design, as always, begins to take shape.