FORMATIONS by TARKETT
Another impressive installation with an eco topic was the one from the vinyl flooring manufacturer Tarkett. The exhibition called Formations was designed by Note Design Studio and was to promote Tarkett’s latest product IQ surface, a sustainable material that is able to cover angular and curved forms. The exhibition consisted of a huge sculpture garden inside a historic Milanese building. The sculptures consisted of an arrangement of tall 3D shapes cladded with the new material that you were invited to stroll through and touch.
Next to this, situated on the first floor, was my favorite room, a former library. There you could find a large table covered with small geometric shapes. Super cute and while sitting on the installed side tribune you could just look at the beautiful model from above and enjoy the calmness of the space, which was just ace after walking around busy Milan all day.
Tarkett is using recycled materials for its products, on average 25% in each material. The brand is aiming at a closed loop system, their ultimate goal is that their factories send nothing to landfills by 2020. Therefore they are currently trialling a programme where they are removing glue and residues from used flooring and turning it into new high-quality flooring.
CONIFERA by COS
One of my highlights at this years Milan Design Week was Conifera, a structure out of 700 3D-printed bio bricks by architect Arthur Mamou-Mani for COS. The 30 meter long structure goes through the courtyard until the garden and is made out of fully compostable bioplastic and wood.
The wood that was used comes from the Conifer tree, where the installation got its name along with the inspiration for the brick design, together resembling the shape of a tree cone.
Next to the installation one of the 3D printers that was used was installed so that you could watch the 3D printing process of a miniature model of the installation. I was even lucky enough to take one home, what a great souvenir.
UNFLUENCER by FREITAG
A truly refreshing installation was UNFLUENCER – De-sinning the Designer from FREITAG bags. The concept by Georg Lendorf was all about circular economy and targeted fashion sins you committed in the past. After a funny welcome by waving Japanese lucky cats you could pull a number to enter the confessional to confess your sins.
If you wanted to keep it calm, you had the option to just fill out a confession card. Meanwhile you had time to enjoy the stunning, constantly changing light installation and watch people disappearing into its depths with their smartphones in hand.
Before leaving you had to have your confession card approved with a stamp, in order to have the opportunity to print an eco tote bag with one of ten circular economy statements. It was great fun and really brought the topic to the visitor by letting them actively participate.
Material Journeys 