Exploring Interdependence at Milan Design Week 2025
MILAN — The Polimi Design System, comprising the School of Design, the Department of Design, and POLI.Design, introduces an exciting initiative titled "INTERDEPENDENCE: exploring opposites." This initiative is aimed at examining how design interacts with various oppositional elements, showcasing projects by students from Politecnico along with contributions from around 40 esteemed design universities globally.
Understanding the Dynamics of Opposites
The concept of interdependence, especially regarding oppositional forces, is crucial in today’s society, which is marked by increasing polarization. It raises the question: how can design help navigate these dichotomies and promote constructive dialogues? The theme of this event delves into the idea that opposites exist not merely as problems to overcome, but instead as dynamics that can be managed to foster understanding and innovation.
The Role of Polarities in Design
Examples of these polarities range across various dimensions of life, including the balance between center and boundaries, the human aspect contrasted with the more-than-human world, and the dichotomy between artificial and natural elements. For instance, addressing the tensions between individualistic and collective approaches in design can offer new perspectives and solutions that benefit everyone involved.
Event Highlights and Locations
The Polimi Design System is excited to embark on a widespread event that coincides with the Design Week. This celebration of creativity will unfold across three primary venues: Fabbrica del Vapore, Campus Bovisa Durando, and SaloneSatellite, complemented by numerous smaller engagements throughout the city.
At Fabbrica del Vapore, visitors can immerse themselves in an international exhibition featuring diverse student projects that highlight the innovative pairing of ideas through visuals, prototypes, and video presentations. Attendees can also engage in a dynamic program including talks and workshops, with an impressive participatory audio-visual performance titled "Somewhere, Between," curated by Campo Teatrale and You can experience the collaboration of visual and new media artists who will bring their creative visions to life.
Meanwhile, at Campus Bovisa Durando, a special exhibition named DesignXDesigners showcases exemplary works created by students from various programs within the School of Design. Here, the students' interpretations of design's role in managing oppositional forces take the spotlight.
At the SaloneSatellite, the focus shifts to eight innovative communication design projects dubbed “Anthropogenic Scenarios.” These thought-provoking exhibits challenge visitors to contemplate the intersections of human and non-human realms while reflecting on the artificial versus the natural.
Rethinking Design's Purpose
All these exhibits encourage a reflective approach rather than offering fixed solutions. They invite us to ask more profound questions that can lead to fresh ideas about both present challenges and future possibilities. The unified visual identity of INTERDEPENDENCE 2025, developed by an interdisciplinary student team, acts as a thread that ties all the venues together, illustrating the concept of blending polarities fluidly across environments.
Promoting Creativity and Critical Mindsets
Francesco Zurlo, Dean of the School of Design at Politecnico di Milano, emphasizes the importance of using design as a medium for dialogue against polarization. "We aim to instill a critical mindset in our students, fostering creativity that serves a purpose beyond mere aesthetics," he remarks. This approach underscores how opposing values can drive political engagement and catalyze action.
"Our Design System has a long-standing tradition of international collaborations, allowing us to leverage these connections to engineer a unique event during the Design Week 2025," Zurlo adds. This year's focus on INTERDEPENDENCE showcases the valuable exchange fostered by an extensive network of educational institutions.
For further details, you can reach the:
Press Office LaPresse - ufficio.stampa@lapresse.it
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the theme of the INTERDEPENDENCE initiative?
The initiative explores how design interacts with oppositional forces to promote constructive dialogues and understanding.
Where will the event take place?
The event will be held across Fabbrica del Vapore, Campus Bovisa Durando, and SaloneSatellite, with other smaller initiatives citywide.
Who are the participants in the exhibition?
Projects will be exhibited from students of Politecnico di Milano and other design universities from around the world.
What notable events are included in the program?
The program features talks, workshops, and participatory performances, such as the audio-visual experience "Somewhere, Between."
How does the design system foster international collaboration?
The Polimi Design System builds connections with numerous design schools to create a vibrant exchange of ideas and creativity.
