The FuoriSalone program during this year's Milan Design Week saw hundreds of independent designers and architects inhabit local shops, buildings and public spaces in and around central Milan. Currently, the FuoriSalone is one of the most popular and sort after events during Milan Design Week and has expanded into diverse themes such as automotive, technology, architecture, art, fashion and food. Here's a look at some of the best designs and concepts from this year's event.
Wefinally got to take a look at Toyota's Setsuna concept car, which isa two-seater vehicle that has been beautifully constructed out ofJapanese wooden materials. The concept car was made using 86handmade panels, including Japanesecedar for the exterior panels, Japanese birch for the frame panelsand a combination of Japanese zelkova and castor aralia for theseats.
"Whilewe used wood as the main material, we also poured lots of time andpassion into the car itself with our colleagues, creating a prototypeand evaluating it so that the car would offer basic performance inthe form of driving feel and comfort," says Kenji Tsuji, the engineerresponsible for Setsuna's concept car. "By displaying Setsuna,which was created with these hopes in mind, and receiving a widerange of opinions, we believe that we can further improve thisconcept."
Sectionsof the wooden car were joined together using traditional Japanesecarpentry techniques such as "okuriari," which allowsthe panels to be fitted without nails, and "kusabi," amortiseand tenon type of joinery.
"Okuriariallows the panels to be fitted without using nails, so they can beeasily removed," says Toyota. "It makes for stronger jointsand allows minor changes to be made to the mortise and dovetailjoints if they become worn over time. Thejoints in the car's frame feature split tenons fastened tothrough-tenons that pass through several component parts in the frameto give a secure hold."
Althoughthe Setsuna concept car is fully functional, it has not receivedapproval to run on the road.
TheItalian brand Askoll presented its latest electric scooter designs,showcasing two different versions: the ES1 (single-seater) and ES2(two-seater). The compact urban scooters feature a minimalisticdesign, LED lighting system, convenient battery compartment, adurable and lightweight chassis and an Askoll energy-efficientelectric motor. The models are powered by two lithium ion batterypacks with a total capacity of 2.1 kWh.
"Thebattery can be charged from any household outlet: just pull it outfrom its tail section (it weighs about 8 kg, less than a crate ofwater) and connect it to its charger or you can charge directly fromthe scooter," says Askoll. "It takes about 3 hours to go from 0 to 100 percent but it is not necessary to wait until the battery iscompletely flat to attach it to the current nor wait for it to fullycharge before detaching it. You can also charge it daily without anyreduction in performance."
Citroënon the other hand presentedits E-Mehari all-electric vehicle during the event. The concept was announced late last year and features a thermoformed plastic body. The vehicle has a Cactus-inspired face, grooveddoors inspired by the original Méhari, and a redesigned rear-end.
The electric motor has a peak power of 50 kW and the car has a top speed of 110 km/h (68 mph). With acapacityof 30 kWh, its lithium-ion battery has range of 200 kilometers (124miles) and takes between eight and 13 hours to fully recharge. It has a folding rear seat and removable hood, and a 200-liter luggage capacity.
Barlinek,layered wood floors manufacturer, Tabanda design studio and DesignAlive Magazine presented a Sensorial Carpentry exhibit. Thecreative and interactive wood workshop allowed visitors to get theirhands dirty and take on the role of a traditional woodworker,sawing and working with wood materials.
"Sensorial Carpentry presents wood in a straightforward and adept, yetunorthodox manner," says the team. "One can both feel like atrue-born woodworker or simply look at the material from a freshangle. Pull on the wooden plaid shirts, put the lumberjack beards onyour face and get thrilled by our timber world, full of wonderfulsensory cues."
"TheHouse of the Wayfarer" was created by architect Michele De Lucchi,curated by Marco Ferreri and furnished by Billiani, Danese, Magis, AFerro e Fuoco. The installation represents four eco-sustainablemountain shelters designed for hikers. Each module includes all ofthe basic necessities for a warm and good night's sleep, including awood fire, running water, basic cooking utensils, bathroom withshower facilities and wooden bunks.
"Thesheet metal roof of the cabin gathers rainwater in a gutter thatfeeds acistern," says Marco Ferreri. "The quantity stored is sufficient for two people to take ashower. In thewinter the water is heated by a wood-burning stove on which it isalso possibleto cook, while in the summer warmth is provided by a small solarpanel. Aphotovoltaic panel feeds a low-tension battery to power three LEDlamps and rechargemobile phones."
The"Towers" installation project by architects Sergei Tchoban,Sergey Kuznetsoc andAgni Ya Sterligova measured 12 meters (39 ft) high and featured 336LED panels. The cylindrical tower is inspired by a multi-mediabuilding and operates as a digital canvas, broadcasting sketches bythe architects themselves.
"Actually, the workshould not be seen as a true tower, but as a tower prototype, a workthat functions as a starting point for thinking about the nature ofarchitecture and the role of the dominant features of the man-madelandscape," say the architects.
Toget a look at all the other great designs that were on display duringthis year's FuoriSalone, be sure to check out our complete photo gallery.