Prada Frames, the annual symposium of cross-disciplinary talks that coincides with Milan’s Salone del Mobile, made its fourth edition stop at the city’s Centrale train station last week. Curated by design and research studio FormaFantasma, founded by Andrea Trimarchi and Simone Farresin in 2009, the event delved into pressing issues through the intersection of design and culture.
Over the past four years, Prada Frames has evolved under the direction of Farresin and Trimarchi. The first edition in 2022, titled “On Forest,” explored the ecological, cultural, and philosophical significance of forests. This was followed by 2023’s “Materials in Flux” and last year’s “Being Home,” which delved into the complexities of materiality, domesticity, and socio-economic systems. Each edition has been an intimate affair, offering a unique perspective on contemporary issues.
This year’s theme, “In Transit,” focused on the infrastructures that support the systems shaping our daily lives. Trimarchi explained, “We are interested in exploring not just how objects are designed, but how the systems that support and move them function.” The choice of venue, the Centrale train station, was a deliberate reflection of this theme, highlighting the importance of mobility and infrastructure in our society.
The symposium took place in various locations within the train station, including the Gio Ponti and Giulio Minoletti-designed Arlecchino train and the Royal Pavilion, once a waiting room for royal family members and heads of state. Trimarchi emphasized that these venues were not just spaces but integral parts of the narrative, immersing attendees in the very systems being discussed.
Since the “Being Home” edition, Prada Frames has moved away from using visual aids during the symposiums, focusing instead on the speakers and their ideas. This decision fosters intimacy and meaningful exchanges, contrasting with the visually-driven nature of many events during Salone del Mobile.
Overall, Prada Frames continues to push boundaries and provoke thought on the intersection of design, culture, and society. By tackling urgent issues through a unique lens, the symposium offers a fresh perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing our world today.
