Over the years, and more recently with the launch of its Dubai outpost, Isola has evolved into a global platform by staying true to its origins while embracing fresh perspectives in contemporary design. The 2025 edition pays tribute to these roots with the theme Design is Human, a powerful reflection on the role of people in the design process. 

Isola Design Festival 2025 reshapes the role of humanity-driven design

Design should start at a human scale, ultimately enhancing the well-being of both people and the planet. Design is Human highlights the fusion of traditional mastery and digital innovation, reaffirming that human creativity remains at the core of meaningful design. 

Bringing together international designers, studios, creators, and manufacturers, Isola Design Festival 2025 champions a humanity-driven approach to design, exploring themes like social impact, environmental responsibility, functional design, locally sourced materials, and the fusion of digital and artisanal crafts – shaping a new, people-centered design movement. 

“Design is Human” calls for a deep reflection on the relationship between people and design, to consider how design choices shape our lives, communities, and the environment. True design has to begin with a focus on the human experience and every decision and innovation should be guided by empathy, understanding, and respect for the diverse needs of all people.

Nowadays, designers are asked to do more than simply creating visually appealing or efficient products. They must approach each project with a sense of responsibility, recognizing the broader impact their work has on society and the planet. This means balancing creativity and innovation with a deep commitment to sustainable practices, ensuring that every design solution contributes positively to the environment and future generations.”

Gabriele Cavallaro, co-founder and CEO of Isola Design Group.

AT BASICVILLAGE

As the district has expanded and evolved in recent years, alongside the heart of the neighborhood, a new venue, BasicVillage (Via dell’Aprica 12, Milan) has been added to the circuit, infusing the area with fresh creative energy. Originally built as a rubber factory, this early 20th-century complex is located in the Eastern industrial heart of Isola, near the former Farini railway depot. 

Within its various spaces, Isola will cultivate an atmosphere of creativity and exchange. BasicVillage will be the centerpiece of the festival with three carefully curated collective exhibitions. Isola Studio’s team (consultancy lab of  Isola Design Group) led by creative director Elif Resitoglu presents Conscious Objects, Isola Design Gallery, and Openspace, each highlighting innovative approaches to contemporary design.

Conscious Objects 

Conscious Objects is an exhibition that engages visitors through multiple senses—hearing, playing, touching, tasting, and interacting—sometimes even becoming part of the experience. Imagine a chair that works only when sitting together, objects that adapt to the user’s needs, or a table game with playing cards to taste. Showcasing visionary designers and innovators, the exhibition merges sustainability, functionality, and playfulness with digital, robotic, and human craftsmanship.

Designed with a human-centric approach, each piece balances flexibility, experience, and technology while addressing environmental impact through innovative materials and ethical production. Visitors can also explore the creative and technical processes through screens displaying product insights, production footage, and interactive elements. Part of the exhibition set up will be realised with glass bricks by Carro srl.

Participating designers and design studios include the following:

Abalon | Ana Bridgewater, Alessandra Galli, Archeomaterico / Davide Balda, Atelier Makr, Biomaterials Library Agne Kucerenkaite / Sarmite Polakova / Austeja Platukyte, Davina Atallah, Dina Lebbar, Eliane Levy, Eva Korae, Feral, Human Accounts, Ilaria Critelli, Ksusha Fedya, Lee Shmeltz, Lu Grompone, Lynn Gong, Martina Gentile, Matthew Berkshire, Michela Puglia, Monolit, Murilo Weitz, Natalia-Anastazia Bakula, Nima Biodesign, NOI Creative, Nowo By Oliwia Ledzinska, Officine Condor, Patch Design, Sangosanya Annahololade, Shaghayegh Ranjbar, Siyu Liu, Sølvbergbols, Studio Eggi, Studio Tuut, Sungjun Yu, Yarden Shahar, Yile Zhang , Yosuke Shimano, Yu Xinnan, Yuya Zhou, Zhichen Qian.

6th edition of Isola Design Gallery

The 6th edition of Isola Design Gallery celebrates unique and handcrafted products, collectible design that tells a story, customizable pieces that grant an experience. Isola transforms the space into an immersive showcase of diverse lifestyles, bringing together designers from different backgrounds. The exhibition features a variety of setups, from futuristic living concepts to contemporary interiors, where each collectible piece interacts thoughtfully with the others.

This dynamic display highlights how diverse interiors can be designed to reflect different ways of living. Part of the exhibition setup includes terracotta materials provided by SO.LA.VA., known for its high-quality artisanal production. The 100% clay terracotta is biocompatible and sustainable, allowing for dry assembly that enables infinite recovery and reallocation. Moreover, Manuel Maruca sculpts the sound of space with Habitat, an exploration of sound as a design element: sonic architectures that shape, fill, and define the environment.

Participating designers and design studios include the following:

Aleksandar Osei-Lartey / Andrea Ralevic, Alessandro Pagura, Alicoban, Alissa Saito, Apuana Mosaici S.r.l., Arkitettoria, Atelier Marée, Atelier Tas, Athime de Crecy, Baker Glassworks, Basia Pruszynska, BioLogicDesign / Chih-Chieh Huang, Bluba Studio, Burkhard Schittny, C’est Un Cest, Con.creta, D’ARK Atelier, Derangedsign, Dorit Provizor, Dublo Studio, Four Am Product Design, Francois Kessler, G & L Studio, Hyunju Roh, Irsystem Co., Ltd., Isen Wu, Jake Heyer, Jan Willem Van Elten, Jimmy Rojas, Jiyoun Woo, Karin Borovcova, Kiady Ratovoson, Kiti Kurarova and Kogl.

Living Cult, LOBO Atelier, Lucas Cambier, Lucia Kruzlicova, Madelon Ulijee, Magdalena Jenik, Maison Cedrat, Marco De Gregorio Architect, Ma_st_ar, Mette Nissilä, Mugen By Sana Alam, Nermin Habib, Ng Design, Nicholas Alexander, Nicol Belci & Neža Kravos, Orfeo Studio, Particle, Pelin Alkan Studio, PFEIFFER STUDIO, Philipp Aduatz, Phèdre Barbas, Pulpas Studio, Riolab Ceramics, Ronja Reigstad and Rory Noble-Turner.

Sada Space, Salak, Sara Codarin, Shape & Shade, Shinjae Kim, Šimon Valovic, Spazio Project, Studio Francesca Müeller, Studio Kaja, Studio Jonathan Radetz, Šimon Valovic, Studio Kája, Studio Kallang, Studio Maria Yared, STUDIO SHOO, Studio Sphaer, Taftique, Tenam, Tom Schoonhoven Studio, Valentine Chauvet, Victoria Dabdoub, Vitalli, Wisse Trooster, Xiangzhi Zhao, Yingjun Ren, Zeoform, Zhihui Design Studio, Zihua Wang, Zuzana Zmatekova.

Openspace 

Openspace is a dynamic hub for bespoke companies, brands, and startups across industries such as circular design, material research, and manufacturing with a focus on craft, in-house production, and digital hybridisation. Exhibitors present cutting-edge products and services, each reflecting a unique, forward-thinking approach.

The space also serves as a platform for visitors, design enthusiasts, and participating talents to connect with industry leaders, explore potential collaborations, and gain valuable insights into new materials and processes that can shape their design journey. A talk and workshop area is part of the show with designer seating by HeFlies srl, gravity-defying poufs that resemble floating balloons yet transform into comfortable seats. 

Participating designers and design studios include the following:

Inci Mutlu Milano – Forge Mobili, Lux Temporis, MOSHdesign x CabinetOseo, Murals Wallcoverings, Rehemptation By Husarska, Studio Shablool, Thayra Correia, Youssef El Hadi Studios.

challenging the conventional boundaries of design

Within BasicVillage’s exhibitions, Isola introduces a unique olfactory identity with three exclusive fragrances by Narici, an Italian perfume startup by Alessandro Commisso. Each scent, crafted with Italian farms and distilleries, revolves around a rare natural ingredient.

Adding to the richness of the event, returning and new partners will come together at the BasicVillage, combining their diverse expertise:

The second edition of ENHANCE curated by Juan Torres for DesignWantedpresents design as a catalyst for change and aligns with the seven Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) identified by World Design Organization members as particularly relevant to the industrial design community.

The exhibition challenges the conventional boundaries of design, offering an experience that highlights design’s potential to reshape society. The showcase invites visitors into a curated exploration of projects that transform deep research into tangible, meaningful solutions. 

Participants are:

Bundle studio, COMPOSITES, Debonademeo x CHROMA, Emeline, Joshua Klappe, Monostudio Associati, Ong, Shellf Life, Wah, Wilfried Becret, Zeoform.

Isola Design Awards

Following the Dubai ceremony in November 2024, Isola Design Awards Winners’ Showcase brings to Milan its outstanding 2024 winners. Isola is also gearing up to launch the open call for the 5th edition with an official kickoff event during Isola Design Festival.

The digital contest continues to inspire and encourage designers to push the boundaries of their craft. 10 are the categories: Furniture, Seating, Lighting, Tableware, Textile, Product, Material, Sustainability, Outdoor, and Innovation.

Participants are:

Alonso Hernández, House of Piranesi, Jehnna Yang, Luca Maibach / Izy Munuera Gomez, Manuela Bucci / Missbucci, Moritz Scheffer / Luis Somasundaram, Nella Figueroa, Parali By Aarushi, Rosana Sousa.

IAAD., Accademia Italiana, and SAE Institute present Bravery Bar, an in-depth cultural and educational event designed through a joint project by 21 design schools. This new chapter BE AWARE is an initiative in inclusive design that pushes the boundaries of creativity. Sponsored by the Italian Paralympic Committee and curated by Danilo Ragona, the event features workshops set against the backdrop of the Truly Design exhibition, bringing together emerging designers and companies to develop innovative solutions in design and sports.

Within its showroom inside BasicVillage, Very Simple: Kitchen presents the collaboration with Studio Proba: an unprecedented reinterpretation of the iconic modular steel kitchens signed by designer and artist Alex Proba. An explosion of creativity and a symphony of colours come together to create sculptural elements that complement and envelop the brand’s distinctive lines.

In the courtyard of BasicVillage, SuperForma’s additive manufacturing customizes the bar counter with 3D-printed elements made from recycled PLA. Collected since 2020 through a network of partners, the material will be reclaimed at the end of the event and reintegrated into the production cycle.

This modular installation showcases how design can truly achieve zero impact. Moreover Studio X collaborates with Isola Radio for the design of the DJ booth, a custom, handmade and colorful resin sculptural piece. The BasicVillage courtyard will be the setting for events, parties and Isola’s community point of reference during Milan Design Week. 

THE DISTRICT VENUES ON FOOT

Showcasing how design is deeply rooted in human stories, heritage, and hands-on creativity, Isola Design Festival will transform the entire Isola neighborhood during Milan Design Week 2025 into the epicenter of exhibitions, installations, lively events, workshops, live demonstrations, and design talks. The focus shifts back to the humans, including those of the neighborhoodwhose identity and craftsmanship not only shaped the festival’s early editions but also keeps the district’s creative spirit alive throughout the year. 

Starting from Via Farini, Isola Studio presents Rasa – The Indian Collective at VIAFARINI (Via Carlo Farini 35), curated by Nidhi Chandak and Varun E S, part of Isola Studio’s team based in India. The exhibition celebrates India’s rich craftsmanship, reinterpreted through the lens of contemporary design. Rasa (रस), a Sanskrit word, refers to the emotional experience evoked by creative expression.

True to its name, the exhibition is an invitation to discover how design goes beyond mere aesthetics, becoming an emotional journey through artisans’ narratives, cultural continuity, and innovation. Featuring hand-blown glass, marble, textiles, terrazzo made from construction waste, sandstone, woven bamboo, and woodwork, the exhibition presents pieces by 21 Indian designers and design studios that bridge tradition and modernity, celebrating the artistry and skill of Indian makers. 

Nouz3D, a large-format 3D printing company from India, manufactured the plinths and pedestals. In VIAFARINI’s courtyard, Arjun Rathi Design presents The Wishing Tree; the installation, inspired by the sacred trees found in Indian temple complexes, invites viewers to experience a sacred space of contemplation, connecting tradition and modernity through glass. The show has been organized in collaboration with VIAFARINI.

Participating designers and design studios include the following:

A&f Design, Andblack Design Studio, Antara Decor, Arjun Rathi Design, Beyond Dreams, Dhaaga.designs, Hsc Designs, Intent Made, Kaarbhaar, Motionworks, Nimrat Narang, Oom Furniture & Living, Orikrit, Ozar Objects, Pramāna Design, Pravi, Rural Modern Glass Studio, Studio Cumulus, Sutary, Umeni, Vakr Studio.

Strolling through Isola’s neighborhood, from Via Luigi Porro Lambertenghi to Via Confalonieri and Via Cola Montano, visitors will encounter guest exhibitions and interactive venues throughout its main streets:

Blurry Memories by Oculta Studio and Roman Vases by Federico Fiermonte at Bota Fogo (Via Carlo Farini 36). Oculta Studio explores fragility and transformation, revealing that even the most solid can crumble. Inspired by historical vases preserved behind glass in museums, this project challenges their static existence by reimagining them as dynamic vessels.

Federico Fiermonte reinterprets the decorative elements of ancient Roman art in a contemporary style. Mosaic patterns and geometric motifs inspired by monuments are integrated adorning the center of their body. The space that serves as Bota Fogo’s showroom year-round, during the Design Week will host wheel-throwing lessons and interactive workshops.

CONNECTED BY DESIGN, INSPIRED BY BEAUTY – La Vie En Gloss at BAM – Biblioteca degli Alberi Milano

(Via Gaetano de Castilla 28).

Kérastase, with Gloss Absolu, presents an iconic installation that combines beauty, innovation, and sustainability. A contemporary greenhouse will serve as the backdrop for events, talks, and performances. Created by the agency LiveZone, the installation La Vie en Gloss comes to life through augmented reality: a digital filter transforms the floral setting into an immersive experience of lights and colors, blending the physical and virtual worlds.

Cross pollination by Pforzheim University: BA and MA Jewellery, MA Design & Future Making

(via Cola Montano 1).

An exhibition exploring diversity as a catalyst for evolution in nature. It examines the interplay of memories and materiality, cultures and form, glass and other materials, as well as the fusion of technologies. A dialogue between past and future, tradition and innovation, shaping a new perspective on design and transformation.

Design Thinking in the Ethereum Age at Stecca 3.0

(Via Gaetano de Castillia 26).

An immersive exhibition by Appcon exploring design, self-discovery, and blockchain technology within the Ethereum ecosystem. Visitors can reflect on their role as creators and their connection to the community while uncovering Ethereum’s potential for designers. Structured as a guided journey, each stage reveals new layers of artistic and technological interaction.

Participating designers and design studios include the following:

Alessandro Rigamonti, Bouillon, Cronchidesign, Drag And Drop, Elia Maniscalco, marn, Simon Schuler, Wiepke Wolfsbergen.

Deus Ex Machina: an ode to MDF by Arno Hoogland 

(via Luigi Porro Lambertenghi 3).

MDF is often dismissed as one of the least sustainable and least attractive materials in interior design. Arno discovered a unique software that allows his CNC milling machine to “dance” with the material, creating unpredictable, organic forms through an interactive dialogue between designer and machine. Moreover the immersive installation Temple of the Future, built on-site from CNC-milled components, blurs the boundaries between craftsmanship, technology, and speculative design.

Fibre Fever! by Jack Brandsma and Rollo Stars by Lambert Kamps at WAO Isola

(Via Luigi Porro Lambertenghi 7).

Jack Brandsma explores material innovation by replacing conventional materials in existing designs with biobased alternatives. Using natural fibers like hemp and miscanthus, combined with potato starch as a binder or an additive to new bioplastics, the project pushes sustainable design forward. Lambert Kamps presents Rollo, a dynamic light installation, and Fat Furniture, a series of interior objects inspired by rising obesity in Western consumer society. Rollo changes in size, volume, and light intensity as it rolls in or out. 

NEW NORMAL 5 – Japanese Maison at Zetalab 

(Via Cola Montano 2).

NEW NORMAL is a Japanese design project focused on “Designs for the new normal in family businesses.” By collaborating with company managers who are taking over family businesses and working alongside designers, they are developing products that will inspire new initiatives.

SEKISUI

Beyond Smart Life & Mobility (Via Luigi Porro Lambertenghi 6 – Galleria Bonelli & Candy Snake Gallery). Manufacturing brand SEKISUI introduces a vision where intelligent design seamlessly integrates into everyday life, creating adaptive spaces that respond intuitively to human needs. At the core of this experience is the fusion of living and mobility spaces, a concept inspired by innovations in the automotive sector. By transferring advanced mobility technologies into architectural and interior design, SEKISUI crafts dynamic spaces that transform fluidly, enhancing both productivity and relaxation.

The Hunt by Architecture Hunter at Spaces Isola

(Via Pola 11).

Renowned design creatives from ten different countries (3XN, Fran Silvestre, JFormento + AH, Kengo Kuma, Luciano Kruk, Rojkind, SAOTA, Studio MK27, Woha, Yodezeen) developed exclusive projects for this exhibition. Architecture Hunter’s virtual reality experience allows you to immerse yourself in their unique visions of the “architect’s shelter.”

THE PINK CLOUD: Coffee, Cookies & Debate by Social Label 

(Via Confalonieri 11).

Pink walls and an installation designed by Studio Boot in collaboration with Isola Studio serves as a space for informal gatherings to discuss collaborations with companies, governments, and designers in the field of applied arts across Europe.

WORTH

WORTH at ZonaK (Via Spalato 11) showcases projects developed within its incubator programme dedicated to promoting transnational collaborations between designers, creatives, manufacturing companies (SMEs) and technology companies.

Moreover several studios, workshops and galleries located in the district will open their doors to visitors:

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(Via Thaon de Revel 10).

Designer Andrea Barra presents Basi, a refined collection of materials and colors for a wireless QI charging base. Made from ceramic, marble, quartz, cement, wood, and Corian, each piece blends functionality with a rich tactile and visual experience.

Algranti Lab 

(Via Pastrengo 23).

Craftsman Pietro Algranti invites visitors to explore material reuse with Piantar Chiodini – Crafting Show between wood, iron, salvaged copper, tools and handswork.

Angelo della Pergola1 

(Via Angelo della Pergola 1).

The exhibition Hommage marks the 8th participation in Isola Design Festival. Artist Myriam Kuehne Rauner showcases sculptural pieces at the intersection of art and design.

artetica 

(Via Guglielmo Pepe 20).

A creative space promoting sustainable and artistic approaches to design will host an installation Concept for colorful sustainable textiles by Michael Rechberger, founder of a textile factory. With a strong focus on quality and local production, Rechberger creates a wide range of fabrics, from mattress covers to home textiles.

Boiserie Riva – RivaViva 

(Via Luigi Porro Lambertenghi 18).

All the Lives of Wood showcases the results of a design contest in collaboration with Legambiente, featuring works by second-year students from IED Rome. The exhibition reaffirms a commitment to nurturing young talent and fostering a responsible approach to contemporary design.

Brussels House 

(Via Gaetano de Castillia 23).

MAD Brussels and hub.brussels present (UN)WRAPPED, an exhibition exploring the act of unveiling. Draped fabric creates an atmospheric backdrop that enhances the structure and craftsmanship of contemporary design pieces.

Ceramica Ostile 

(Via Borsieri 41).

The space showcases works by ceramic artists such as Caterina Maria Amato and Carlotta Nebuloni, offering visitors the chance to witness live craftsmanship throughout the day. On select evenings, themed workshops will invite participants to create their own pieces.

ErnestoShop 

(Via Antonio Pollaiuolo 3).

Tucked inside Frida bar’s courtyard, this concept store, founded in 2017, offers a curated selection of contemporary craftsmanship, blending Italian quality with European innovation and sustainability-driven design.

Fondazione TOG 

(Via Livigno 1)

TOG Foundation transforms its Center into a hub for inclusive design, hosting exhibitions, workshops, and discussions that highlight co-design as a driver of innovation and beauty, with a focus on improving life for children and young people with disabilities.

Green Island 2025

Fly Garden (Flying Tiger, Stazione di Porta Garibaldi, Piazza Freud 1).

A botanical and sensory eco-design journey that turns into a colorful pollinator garden, curated by Claudia Zanfi/Atelier del Paesaggio.

Moon Rabbit Lab 

(Piazza Tito Minniti 1)

In collaboration with Framas and Balena, FootLoop explores the future of sustainable, circular footwear. Two immersive pathways illustrate a shoe’s lifecycle, culminating in a modular, evolving installation.

Quadruslight 

(Via Angelo della Pergola 11).

Queenlight presents backlit artworks where painting, photography, and digital art merge with interior spaces, transforming walls and ceilings into dynamic, atmospheric installations.

EVENTS & OPENINGS HIGHLIGHTS

A rich series of guided tours, workshops, openings, talks with design professionals, and parties will animate BasicVillage and Isola’s neighborhood through the whole week. Below some highlights and at the following link the complete agenda.

OUTSIDE THE NEIGHBORHOOD

PLAY3D: The Future of Design Through Technology, Forms, and Immersive Experiences by DesignTech at CoFactory (Certosa District). An immersive and multisensory experience transforms CoFactory into a laboratory for experimentation at the intersection of design, technology, and new expressive forms. Sound, shape, and surprise become the three key elements of a dynamic and interactive journey where art and innovation redefine the boundaries of creativity.

Another Fountain by Swedish Girls at ViaFarini.work (Via Marco D’Agrate 33). Another Fountain explores the bond between cultures and public spaces, honoring fountains’ original purpose. Stockholm-based duo Swedish Girls crafts draped steel rods, inviting visitors to explore, gather, and interact, recalling fountains as places of play and rest.

CREDITS

Dates:
7—13 April 2025

Opening Hours:
Monday 7 April: 2 p.m. — 7 p.m.
Tuesday 8 – Saturday 12 April: 10 a.m. — 7 p.m.
Sunday 13 April: 10 a.m. — 3 p.m.

Location:
Isola Design District

OFFICIAL EVENT OF MILAN DESIGN WEEK ORGANIZED BY ISOLA STUDIO 

About the Isola Design

Isola Design Group provides visibility and opportunities to independent designers, design studios, and brands worldwide. The venture runs both Isola Design, the community platform featuring profiles, project portfolios, and direct messaging for the exchange of ideas, and the recently launched Isola Studio, a consultancy studio for future-thinking design brands and organizations.
 
Isola Design (www.isola.design) is the world’s first digital and physical platform connecting independent designers and studios with industry professionals, brands, curators, journalists, and clients. Its dedicated curatorial team selects projects with a focus on sustainability, innovation, and handcraft.

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