Italian design bridges technological advancements and traditional craftsmanship
The Association for Industrial Design (ADI) is hosting the exhibition "Italian Design: Innovation" at the Italy Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, showcasing the significant role of Italian design in the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics and Paralympics.
According to Andrea Cancellato, director of ADI Design Museum Compasso d'Oro, design is one of the constitutive elements of Italy's reputation for Made in Italy and its manufacturing system, accompanying daily life. This exhibition offers an overview of the excellence of Italian design innovation, demonstrating its application to well-being and everyday life, as well as its forward-looking and symbolic qualities.
The exhibition includes a variety of projects, such as the Mindtooth Touch device, Vimar Linea series, and Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer G15 green, which demonstrate the integration of technology into daily life. Anima, Davide Groppi's lamp, and Farfallina by Álvaro Siza showcase forward-looking design, while Thierry coffee tables by Piero Lissoni, the 646 Leggera Outdoor chair, and Matteo Thun and Antonio Rodriguez's Isy22 faucet collection demonstrate a blend of tradition and innovation.
The significance of Italian design in the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics and Paralympics is prominently showcased through the innovative and symbolic design of the event medals and related cultural exhibitions. The medals for Milano Cortina 2026 embody a union of two halves, symbolizing not only the athletes' journey and victories but also the collective support from organizers, volunteers, and artisans. This duality reflects the unique aspect of the Games being hosted by two cities, Milano and Cortina.
The medals are a celebration of the mastery, excellence, and avant-garde tradition of Italian design, combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary technological innovation. The design draws inspiration from Italy’s avant-garde design movement of the 1960s and 70s, featuring a minimalist aesthetic with contrasting polished and frosted textures, which symbolize unity and movement. Sustainability is a core aspect, with the medals utilizing recycled metals, renewable energy in their production, and eco-friendly packaging, aligning Italian design with modern values of environmental responsibility and innovation.
The "Italian Design: Innovation" exhibition at the Italy Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka serves to highlight these design principles on an international platform ahead of the Games, emphasizing Italy’s integral role in shaping not just the sports competition but also the cultural narrative through design innovation. Through such exhibitions, Italy promotes its design heritage and contemporary creativity, enhancing the global profile of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics and Paralympics.
Ambassador Mario Vattani, Commissioner General for Italy at Expo 2025 Osaka, states that the exhibition displays excellence in a real, understandable, almost touchable version. The exhibition also includes the Fisi EA7 Emporio Armani national team racing suit, Sofia Goggia's R001S helmet, Ergotek Pro moffoles, and Dainese's HP Horizon mask, paying tribute to Italian design in the world of performance. Other exhibited items include the Dobermann 5 boot by Nordica, the Dobermann Gsr Dc Fdt ski, the Moon Boot (1970s), Risport's Royal Prime ice skates, Grivel's Twin Gate carabiner, and Piero Lissoni's Silver Surfer, representing Italian design in the world of performance.
Gio Ponti's Blu Ponti majolica and Sergio Asti's Marco vase are exhibited, reinterpreting craft tradition. Enel X's Juicebox, Ettore Sottsass's Nuovo Milano cutlery, and Alessandro Mendini's Anna G. corkscrew are exhibited, showcasing a blend of craftsmanship and connectivity.
Many exhibited products, including those awarded the Compasso d'Oro, testify to the quality and research that distinguish Made in Italy. The exhibition takes place at Expo 2025 Osaka and is presented by the ADI Design Museum in Milan. This exhibition is a tribute to the contribution of Italian design to the world of performance, underscoring its role in enhancing the global profile of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics and Paralympics.
[1] Milano Cortina 2026 Official Website: https://www.milancortina2026.com/ [2] ADI Design Museum Compasso d'Oro: https://www.compasso.it/ [3] Expo 2025 Osaka, Official Website: https://www.expo2025.tokyo/en/ [4] Italian Design Day: https://italiandesignday.org/
The exhibition at the Italy Pavilion, part of Expo 2025 Osaka, illustrates the incorporation of technology into daily life through showcasing projects like the Mindtooth Touch device and the Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer G15 green. The innovative design of the event medals for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics and Paralympics, such as their use of recycled metals and contemporary technological innovation, symbolizes the integration of modern values, including environmental responsibility and innovation, into Italian design.
