During April 2024’s Milan Design Week—one of the world’s most prestigious design showcases—architect Fernanda Marques shared her keen perspective on the event’s unique atmosphere, where the modern and the traditional come together. “Milan always surprises. The creative energy here is unparalleled; the new and the old integrate seamlessly, generating creations that transcend temporal and cultural boundaries,” notes Fernanda. The city captivates with its historic charm blended with contemporary boldness, and this fusion is essential to the unique experience that the fair offers each year.
A Transformative Experience for Creativity
For Fernanda, attending Milan Design Week was a rare opportunity to merge her passions for art and fashion while exploring unconventional approaches and expanded perspectives on design. “The exhibitions provided a wealth of rich and exclusive insights, from the sophisticated elegance of Vincenzo de Cotiis’ compositions to the deep cultural sensitivity of Armani Casa’s creations. It was an inspiring experience that further broadened my vision and creative repertoire,” she comments. She values the convergence of different artistic languages as a means of fostering new interpretations and ideas.
The Sophistication of Handcrafted Design in Archaeology of Consciousness
Among the exhibitions that left a lasting impression on Fernanda, Archaeology of Consciousness by Vincenzo de Cotiis stood out as a true intersection of art and architecture, celebrating the depth of handcrafted design. The architect views the exhibition as an example of both innovation and respect for materials, blending reclaimed pieces with futuristic surfaces to create a fascinating visual complexity. “He redefines the concept of collectible design, proving that the contemporary can engage with the past in a surprising way,” Fernanda highlights, emphasizing the importance of exploring new meanings within design.
Armani Casa and the Cultural Journey in Echi dal Mondo
The Echi dal Mondo installation by Armani Casa also earned Fernanda’s admiration. To her, the exhibition curated by Giorgio Armani was an intense and enriching cultural immersion: “The showcase is captivating and profound, with each piece reflecting Giorgio Armani’s travels, studies, and inspirations over the years. Experiencing it at the iconic Palazzo Orsini was a unique opportunity to absorb the diverse cultures and landscapes that shape Armani’s essence,” reflects the architect. This deep dive into multicultural influences further strengthened Fernanda’s connection with design as a form of cultural expression.
A Sensory Experience and the Power of Touch in A Life Extraordinary by Moooi
Moooi’s exhibition, A Life Extraordinary, introduced an innovative approach that fascinated Fernanda with the brand’s ability to engage the senses. “Moooi always delivers a distinctive and extraordinary design perspective. This year, touch took center stage, with new pieces featuring bold material combinations executed in a sophisticated and original manner,” she notes. She describes the experience as an unparalleled sensory immersion, where each piece invites the observer to explore it beyond just sight, adding a new dimension to design.
Sustainability and Art in Public Spaces: La Nascita by JR
Closing her experience at Milan Design Week, Fernanda was deeply impacted by La Nascita, an installation by JR displayed at Milan’s iconic Stazione Centrale. With a focus on sustainability and material reuse, JR presented a monumental graphic intervention that redefined the public space. “The installation transforms the environment with a striking artistic approach. Using recyclable materials, JR invites us to reflect on the transience of matter and the environmental impact of our choices,” explains Fernanda, who values the awareness-driven message behind the artwork.
Design as a Bridge Between Art, Culture, and Innovation
The 2024 edition of Milan Design Week reaffirms its essential role as a meeting point for a diverse range of ideas, concepts, and approaches. Showcasing a plurality of experiences that go beyond design itself, the event demonstrated that design is truly a bridge between art, culture, and innovation, inviting everyone to envision a future where the new and the traditional coexist in perfect harmony.
Fernanda Marques’ Highlights at the 2024 Venice Biennale
At the 2024 Venice Biennale, which opened on April 20 and runs until November 24, architect Fernanda Marques left her mark on an event that explores themes of belonging and diversity under the theme “Stranieri Ovunque – Foreigners Everywhere.”
Curated by Adriano Pedrosa, the Biennale brought together artists and visitors from around the world to reflect on the feeling of being a “foreigner” in a globalized society.
With an atmosphere rich in innovation and dialogue, this year’s Biennale pushed the boundaries of contemporary art, maintained its commitment to sustainability, and continued the carbon neutrality initiative launched in 2023.
