#salone2016

Envisions _ Products in process

Reimagining the Urban Dwelling. Privacy Meets Community in the MINI Living Installation at Salone del Mobile.

For the last week in Milan at Salone del Mobile 2016, a simple question was explored with seemingly endless possibilities: How shall we live?

Though entirely open-ended at first glance, the framework for the answer is actually surprisingly predetermined due to one growing, indisputable trend. As people flock to cities in ever-increasing numbers, the demand for space and easy access to urban essentials is climbing in tandem. From that rush has risen a tension between the need for both privacy as well as a sense of community. Faced with that unique set of 21st century restrictions, what can be done?

A clever solution was proposed in the MINI Living Installation. Tapping into the signature MINI philosophy of Creative Use of Space, the 30 square metre concept apartment used things like moveable shelving and kitchenettes as dividers between private and shared spaces. A chic bedroom and bathroom remained exclusive, while other sections of the home embraced the implicit energy in shared space. The dining room, living room, co-working office, urban garden, music and art studio and more were all opened up to the collaborative power of the community, co-owned by other residents in the complex.

To pursue the possibilities in more depth, evening events celebrated topics surrounding the idea of shared space. An Expert Talk by a panel of architects, designers and urban planners pondered the future of urban planning; a dinner party was hosted by our friends from Architizer; and a house-warming bash complete with live music and entertainment all kept guests coming back day after day, night after night.