London, New York, Paris, Milan … The very mention of Milan by name evokes modern design, elegance and luxury. Milan is without a doubt the most influential city in the world in terms of design and it intends to stay that way. The Milanese’s unique flair for combining commerce with a respect for good design has made it a must-do show venue for premier fashion and product designers, as well as the site of the world’s most prestigious furniture fair.

With the new millennium Milan has entered one of the most exciting periods of its urban development. Alongside interventions on a large scale, like the stunning new Milan Trade Fair by Massimiliano Fuksas and the Santa Giulia Apartments by Foster and Partners, Milan is also rediscovering its natural talent for interior design in a number of innovative projects.

It is precisely this renewed energy that Design City Milanevokes by showcasing 40 of the most recent interior design projects: gems of understated elegance, such as the Hotel Bulgari by Antonio Citterio and the Prada shop in the Galleria; new concept, lifestyle stores like 10 Corso Como and 11 Store; contemporary dining spaces like Shu and Maru; truly luxurious relaxing zones like the spas designed for Culti and Ferré; cultural strongholds like the Bocconi University and the new headquarters of Abitare;revolutionary premises such as the Hotel Nhow and Gold, the new restaurant by Dolce & Gabbana; more intimate and private spaces, like the residences of Fabio Novembre and Mario Bellini...

“Milan has entered one of the most exciting periods of its urban development…it is precisely this renewed energy that Design City Milan evokes”. (Building Engineer,April 2007)

 “The research conducted by the two authors has uncovered a city that few tourists and even few milanesi are aware of…” (Ulisse,April 2007)

"…the book presents a series of recent architectural interventions through a rich collection of photographs, organised by thematic sections corresponding to various aspects of the Milanese identity." (Ottagono, July 07)

 

Cecilia Bolognesiis a practising architect, curator and writer based in Monza, Milan. She has curated an international travelling exhibition on the new architecture of Milan, as well as successful exhibitions dedicated to skyscrapers, Carlo Mollino and interior design. She teaches Drawing and Drawing for Interiors at the Politecnico in Milan. Regular contributor to Domus, Cecilia Bolognesi also writes for the international architectural press.

PREFACEby Massimiliano Fuksas.

INTRODUCTION.

A Passion for Design.

CULTURE. 

Introduction.

Corriere della Sera.

Abitare – Via Ventura 5.

Il Sole 24 Ore.

Bocconi.

Triennale: Coffee Design and Fiat Cafè.

HOSPITALITY.  

Introduction.

Hotel Bulgari.

Hotel Straf.

Hotel Nhow.

Gold.

Shu.

Obika.

Maru.

Princi.

DESIGNER BRANDS.

Introduction.

Prada.

Dolce & Gabbana.

Gucci.

Armani.

Vergelio.

Ferré Spa.

RETAIL.

Introduction.

10 Corso Como.

Habits Culti.

Spaziostrato.

11 Store + 11 Club Room.

Paolo Lattuada.

HOME DESIGN.

Introduction.

Moroso.

Fontana Arte.

daDriade.

TEMPORARY SPACES.

Introduction.

Bombay Sapphire Designer Glass Competition 2006.

Molteni & C.

Expo Real Estate.

ARCHITECTS’ PRIVATE SPACES.

Introduction.

Gae Aulenti.

Cini Boeri.

Mario Bellini.

Fabio Novembre.

WORK IN PROGRESS.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. CREDITS.