Discussion on Design Held Aboard the Vibrant Arlecchino Train of Gio Ponti in Milan, Involving Formafantasma
The fourth edition of the Prada Frames symposium, titled 'In Transit', will take place from 6-8 April at two unique locations in Milan – the historic Padiglione Reale waiting area and the iconic Arlecchino train designed by Gio Ponti and Giulio Minoletti. This event, launched by Formafantasma's Andrea Trimarchi and Simone Farresin in 2022 during Milan Design Week with the support of Prada, is not just a conference but a new model for design collaborations.
'In Transit' focuses on infrastructure and movement, examining how global distribution networks and digital revolutions shape our daily lives. The symposium fosters an ongoing dialogue that extends beyond Milan and into the wider world, inviting more than a dozen academics, designers, artists, and thinkers to lead discussions. Notable participants include MoMA senior curator Paola Antonelli, AI scholar Kate Crawford, and poet Tung-Hui Hu.
Unlike traditional design events, Prada Frames encourages critical dialogue rather than focusing on object-based projects. This approach is a departure from the common practice of staging temporary installations during Milan Design Week. Instead, the symposium aims to shift the focus towards reflection and consideration of the things often overlooked in design.
Formafantasma has been exploring the distribution of goods and materials in their practice for several years. They previously exhibited 'Cambio' at London's Serpentine Gallery, which interrogated governance in the forestry industry. The symposium is rooted in research and conversation, pushing the boundaries of what a design event can be.
According to Trimarchi and Farresin, Prada Frames is about understanding the world we inhabit, making it interesting. The event is being held at a prescient moment, as the Salone del Mobile fair itself is a microcosm of global circulation. Prada Frames is not an indictment of the Salone del Mobile, but an opportunity to rethink what design week can be beyond product showcases.
Information and registration for complimentary attendance can be found on Prada's website. The symposium is not just a local event; it is a part of a global conversation on infrastructure, mobility, and the impact of design on our daily lives. Join the dialogue and be a part of this innovative approach to design collaborations.
[1] Prada. (2023). Prada Frames Symposium. [online] Available at: https://www.prada.com/us/en/prada-frames/ [Accessed 20 March 2023].
[2] Formafantasma. (2023). Prada Frames Symposium. [online] Available at: https://formafantasma.it/projects/prada-frames-2023/ [Accessed 20 March 2023].
The symposium will delve into various aspects of our lives influenced by global distribution networks and digital revolutions, not only focusing on object-based projects but on critical dialogue and reflection. As the event promises a shift towards discussing the often overlooked in design, it extends beyond Milan and invites prominent thinkers such as MoMA senior curator Paola Antonelli, AI scholar Kate Crawford, and poet Tung-Hui Hu.
Artificial Intelligence and technology will be discussed in the realm of infrastructure and mobility, as the symposium aims to challenge the traditional view of design events, redefining its scope and fostering a global conversation on its impact on our daily lives.
