Design harmonizing technology and traditional Italian aesthetics
The Italy Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka is playing host to a captivating exhibition titled 'Italian Design: Innovation'. Presented by the ADI Design Museum in Milan, this exhibition offers an immersive journey into the world of Italian design, showcasing a diverse range of iconic and innovative pieces that redefine traditional craftsmanship through modern designs and technological advancements.
The exhibition is a tribute to the contribution of Italian design to the world of performance, particularly on the occasion of the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympics and Paralympics. It pays homage to iconic designs such as Gio Ponti's Blu Ponti majolica collection and the Marco vase by Sergio Asti, alongside smart devices like Vimar's Linea series and cognitive fatigue evaluation tools like the Mindtooth Touch device.
One of the standout pieces is the Anima, a lamp by Davide Groppi, which transforms light into a sign. Another fascinating exhibit is Farfallina by Álvaro Siza, a seat that celebrates formal and structural lightness. The exhibition also features the 646 Leggera Outdoor chair, which reinterprets a Ponti classic with advanced automotive-inspired technologies.
The expo also highlights the synergy between Italian creativity, craftsmanship, and cutting-edge technology. For instance, the Thierry coffee tables by Piero Lissoni are an explosion of color and versatility, while the Anna G. corkscrew by Alessandro Mendini transforms daily use into a visual and emotional story.
The Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer G15 green, a blend of craftsmanship and connectivity, meets contemporary needs. The Isy22 faucet collection by Matteo Thun and Antonio Rodriguez is an evolution of a system that has redefined water projects in an essential and modular way.
Andrea Cancellato, director of ADI Design Museum Compasso d'Oro, stated that design is one of the constitutive elements of the reputation of Italy for Made in Italy and for its manufacturing system. He emphasised that the exhibition offers an overview of the excellence of Italian design innovation.
Ambassador Mario Vattani, commissioner general for Italy at Expo 2025 Osaka, expressed his delight, stating that the exhibition displays excellences "in their real, understandable, almost touchable version".
The exhibition takes place in the atrium of the Italy Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka. It also pays tribute to the contribution of Italian design to the world of performance, showcasing items such as the Nordica Dobermann 5 boot, the Dobermann Gsr Dc Fdt ski, the Moon Boot (1970s), the Risport Royal Prime ice skating boots, the Grivel Twin Gate carabiner, and the Piero Lissoni Silver Surfer.
By showcasing Italian design's capacity for innovation, accessibility, and ethical production, the exhibition supports the broader narrative and legacy Italy wants to establish for the Games, emphasising quality, functionality, and social impact. It also serves as a platform to promote Italian design values worldwide, strengthening cultural and creative ties between Italy and Japan, reinforcing Italy's global presence prior to hosting the Olympics and Paralympics.
- The exhibition, 'Italian Design: Innovation', presented at the Italy Pavilion, showcases a diverse range of items, including smart devices and cognitive fatigue evaluation tools, which demonstrate the fusion of traditional craftsmanship with modern technological advancements.
- The exhibition, housed in the atrium of the Italy Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, also presents items such as the Nordica Dobermann 5 boot, the Moon Boot (1970s), and the Piero Lissoni Silver Surfer, highlighting the significant contribution of Italian design to the world of performance.
