Snøhetta and USM Present Inflatable Design Installation at Milan Venue

The collaborative project takes over the gardens of Fondazione Luigi Rovati from April 20–24, showcasing a modular approach to contemporary exhibition design.

Snøhetta

Snøhetta consistently challenges architectural norms, while USM has transformed the furniture industry with its sophisticated modular designs. The two collaborate to create an ethereal work that examines the relationship between construction, the body, and perception. Upon entering the Renaissance of the Real, visitors encounter vibrant metallic inflatables, interconnected USM Haller systems, and adaptable seating arrangements. The experience aimed to generate momentum as visitors naturally navigate through it. Initially, they commence on the grass of Milan’s Fondazione Luigi Rovati garden, subsequently advancing towards a grid of exposed USM frames on the lawn, which directly leads to an entrance that opens into an interior space.

Snøhetta

The installation's interior comprises a substantial white structure conceived by Snøhetta architects — a membrane that adapts and shifts in response to exterior stimuli — anchored firmly by USM's reliable Haller system. Upon arrival, the silhouettes of trees waltz across the contoured, pliable walls. Floor and seating elements are organised modularly, reflecting the fluidity of the project's overall design. This establishes a captivating contrast between softness and steel stiffness, encouraging guests to investigate the intermediate space.

The Renaissance of the Real does not compel visitors to achieve equilibrium in that interaction; instead, it encourages them to adjust their focus and reorient their bodies within their immediate physical environment. An other approach to USM and Snøhetta’s increased experience is via the influence of music. Daily vinyl listening sessions will occur within the installation, establishing listening as a spatial and communal experience.