Ended with an overwhelming sense of satisfaction and optimism the second edition of the Salone del Mobile. Shanghai, which showcased the very best Made in Italy furnishing and design at the SEC – Shanghai Exhibition Centre. The strong presence of selected professionals from China’s first-tier regions – Shanghai, Beijing and Guangdong, along with other regions currently experiencing strong growth – such as Sichuan, Fujian, Shandong, Henan and Hubei – was confirmation of the power of Made in Italy to attract the greatest and fastest-growing market in the world. The many positive responses received by the companies from the public and stakeholders alike serve to confirm that the Salone del Mobile.Milano’s strategy – to showcase the very best of Italian manufacturing and to create a major event with substantial cultural content, that reflects the Italian lifestyle – is the best way to build a mutually-beneficial commercial and cultural bridge between Milan and Shanghai. This year also marked the second edition of SaloneSatellite Shanghai, the launchpad for young creatives, which drew in no less than 50 young Chinese designers, proving that China is a thriving hotbed of opportunities, research, ideas and experimentation. The selection committee was made up of the following design sector professionals – Mario Bellini, Architect; Piero Lissoni, Architect; Giancarlo Tintori, Architect; Toshiyuki Kita, Architect; Steven Ma, Architect; Andrea Turri – President, Turri; Carlo Urbinati – President, Foscarini; Carola Bestetti – Communication Manager, Living Divani; Wang Xu – Editorial Director, AD China; Prof. Caterina Tiazzoldi; Patrizia Malfatti, International Press Office Coordination Manager, Salone del Mobile.Milano. First prize was won by Shanghai-based Studio Tame for their Flux lamp, which draws on China’s artisan and artistic tradition. Second prize went to Haoxuan Zhong from Bejing/Chaoyang for the Patting stool, inspired by a traditional manual assembly technique requiring no particular tools. Xiaoqi Zhao from Beijing took the third prize with Alone, a chair with a curvilinear frame that replicates the inviting shape of a leaf. Yingyu Zhang from Hangzhou was awarded a Special Mention for Cetus, a swing- chair/kneeler that ensures a correct posture for the body and mind, as well as being a homage to traditional culture. The award-winners will be invited to the next edition of SaloneSatellite, under the umbrella of the Salone del Mobile.Milano, from 17th to 22nd April 2018. The three Master Classes were fascinating and packed, providing an opportunity for reflection and discussion on design issues, led by prominent figures in the world of Italian architecture and design – Mario Bellini, Piero Lissoni and Giancarlo Tintori – and three equally brilliant Chinese designers– Di Zhang, Kuang Ming (Ray) Chou and Jamy Yang. The next Salone del Mobile.Milano Shanghai will be in November 2018.
