Design is Human: Isola Design Festival 2025 in Milan

Reshaping the Role of Humanity-Driven Design at Isola Design Festival 2025

7—13 April 2025 | Milan Design Week

The Isola Design Festival 2025, organized by the dynamic digital and physical design platform Isola, is set to return for its 9th edition from April 7 to 13, 2025, during Milan Design Week. Known for its transformative approach to contemporary design, Isola has firmly established itself as a global hub for independent designers, creators, and brands. Its commitment to blending traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge digital innovation remains central to its ethos, especially with its new Dubai outpost.

This year’s festival theme, Design is Human, delves into the vital relationship between design and humanity, focusing on how design can enhance both the well-being of individuals and the environment. Through this lens, Isola Design Festival will explore the fusion of sustainability, social impact, and functional design, emphasizing the human experience as the core of every design decision. The theme celebrates human creativity, honoring it as the driving force behind impactful and responsible design solutions.

The Heart of Isola Design Festival: BasicVillage

A new venue, BasicVillage, located in the industrial heart of Isola, will serve as the focal point of the 2025 festival. This venue, formerly a rubber factory, has been transformed into a dynamic space for creative exchange and exhibitions. As the district expands, BasicVillage will infuse the area with new creative energy, showcasing three thoughtfully curated collective exhibitions: Conscious Objects, Isola Design Gallery, and Openspace.

Conscious Objects invites visitors to engage with design in a multisensory way, from tactile experiences to interactive elements that explore sustainability, functionality, and playfulness. Objects in this exhibition challenge traditional ideas of design by incorporating adaptability and interaction, merging human craftsmanship with digital and robotic technology.

In parallel, Isola Design Gallery presents collectible design that tells a story, bringing together a variety of setups that explore how contemporary interiors can reflect diverse lifestyles. The exhibition offers a platform for designers to showcase unique, handcrafted pieces that explore new approaches to living and design.

Openspace will act as a dynamic hub for startups, eco-tech brands, and material innovators, providing a glimpse into the future of design. This area will foster collaborations and inspire visitors with new materials, processes, and technologies that are shaping the future of design.

Celebrating Cultural and Sustainable Design

The festival also shines a spotlight on international and local collaborations, such as Rasa – The Indian Collective, an exhibition celebrating India’s rich craftsmanship through contemporary design. Featured will be over 15 Indian designers showcasing hand-blown glass, textiles, and furniture that bridge tradition with modernity.

Additionally, ENHANCE, curated by Juan Torres for DesignWanted, will challenge conventional design boundaries by aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. This exhibition showcases projects that turn deep research into meaningful solutions, pushing the boundaries of design to shape a better future.

Future Design Innovations

The Isola Design Awards Winners’ Showcase will bring to Milan the outstanding winners of the 2024 awards, showcasing designs that reflect the innovative spirit of Isola’s global community. Isola is also launching the 5th edition of its open call, continuing to inspire designers to push their craft to new heights.

Experiential Design Across Milan

Beyond BasicVillage, the Isola neighborhood will transform into a vibrant design district, featuring a wide range of exhibitions, workshops, and live demonstrations. Notable projects like La Vie En Gloss, presented by Kérastase at BAM, and Deus Ex Machina by Arno Hoogland, explore the intersection of beauty, technology, and sustainable design, providing an immersive experience that blends physical and virtual worlds.

A Celebration of Human-Centered Creativity

As the festival continues to expand, Isola remains dedicated to celebrating the human element of design. From the cultural craftsmanship of India to the sustainability-driven innovations of local designers, the Isola Design Festival 2025 promises to be an exploration of design’s potential to shape our world, our communities, and our futures. Visitors can expect a week filled with creativity, innovation, and thoughtful dialogue around design’s power to connect humanity with the planet.