Rio+Design at the Milan Design Week

For the ninth year running, Rio+Design will take part in the Milan Design Week. This time, the initiative of the Government of the State of Rio de Janeiro, acting through the Secretary of Economic Development of the State of Rio de Janeiro, with the support of the Sebrae-RJ, will participate in the exhibition Be Brasil, organized by the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex-Brasil), April 4 to 9th, at the headquarters of the Università degli Studi di Milano (State University of Milan), in the context of Interni Material Immaterial event.

Fourteen creations by renowned designers and talented young artists, which will reflect the design excellence of Rio de Janeiro, were selected by Rio+Design to be showcased at Be Brasil. "We will present works by professionals with different expressions, but united by quality and the capacity for innovation. The projects are full of style: how could it be otherwise when it comes to Rio de Janeiro? I thank Apex-Brasil for the invitation to be part of the Be Brasil event, during which we will continue the tradition of participating in meetings to establish fruitful business partnerships for the development of industry and services in Brazil", said the Secretary of Economic Development of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Dulce Ângela Procópio. The university laboratory NEXT PUC-Rio will surprise visitors with a 3D printing project in ceramic material, developed together with the ceramic craftswoman Alice Felzenszwalb. Eight pieces - made using two 100% sustainable and natural materials, clay and porcelain, the latter glazed in a gold color - form a series that is the result of an innovative search for the creation of specific combinations of materials for 3D printing equipment and the realization of original designs during the printing process.

Recent winner of the IF Design Award, the “Ratoeira” (“Mousetrap”) bench is the ingenious project from Em2Design which will be exhibited during the event. The bench’s seat is made from "jequitibá" wood, and the tubular feet are in carbon steel and finished using an electrostatic painting process. The seat is locked by a lever created from the branching tubes that form the feet. The rounded finishing of the seat adds aesthetic charm to the product and adds a modern touch.

The Dada coffee table, designed by Gisela Simas from Original Practical Design (OPD) and manufactured by Elon Móveis de Design, is another piece featured in the exhibition. Made from wood and glass, it evokes the 1950's and Scandinavian style with its straight lines, simple shapes and muted colors. Its name is a tribute to Gisela’s sister, whose nickname is Dada.

Two products chosen by Rio+Design for the exhibition spring from the concept of lightness and comfort characterised by hammocks, a popular feature in Brazilian houses. One of these designs is the Brisa magazine rack, by Bold_a design company, founded by Leo Eyer. Fashioned from "ipê" wooden, formica and fabric, it has a retractable stand whose handles allow it to be moved easily around the house. The removable tray integrated with the surface creates a place for keeping objects handy during relaxing moments. The second product is the Muu chair, a creation by Gustavo Bittencourt. Its sophisticated and elegant structure is rendered in steel with chrome finishing and reclaimed jacaranda wood; the leather seat is particularly fascinating since it seems to float in space.

Studio Zanini by Zanine de Zanine will be presented with the Zina chair, produced by América Móveis. The designer - who was inspired by the iron-based furniture designed by his father, Zanine Caldas, in the mid-1900s - combines carbon steel, velvet and solid wood to develop a furniture with personality, an urban appearance and an industrial aesthetic.

Guto Indio da Costa, by Indio da Costa Design, will introduce Serelepe, a chair that has a timeless style and a profile that is both dynamic and slim. Compact, comfortable, durable and stackable, it is suitable for indoor or outdoor use and is available in different colors. It is made with polypropylene and is produced using gas-assist injection moulding technology.

The designers Leonado Lattavo and Pedro Moog from Lattoog will participate with their Marapendi chair, manufactured by Líder Interiores. With flowing shapes and a minimalist character, the piece offers both practical and versatile solutions. Its aluminum frame is covered in material made of synthetic fibers, while the removable padding forms an accessory that can be incorporated into the seat and also serves as a footrest or as a coffee table.

Freddy Van Camp will use the event to bring to the public a trio of tables or stools (it is for the user to choose their exact function) Uni, Duni and Te, created using “freijó” hardwood, and manufactured by Elon Móveis de Design. Fun and functional, they have an impressive personality thanks to the details featuring traditional carpentry: different heights, locating holes in the surface, dovetail joints, etc.

The work of Fernando Jaeger will be represented by the Tabuleiro table. With a central base that departs from conventional design by blending light wood with steel fittings, this piece of furniture has three versions: round, square and rectangular. The Tabuleiro has solid wooden "seringueira" feet which are connected to the "Freijó" laminate top by a central steel rod. It can be used in kitchens, living rooms, porches and even corporate environments.

The Fantastico Studio di Design, founded by Leo and Fernanda Mangiavacchi, will present the Lina chair – a corten steel variant, inspired by the Bauhaus style, but with a Brazilian touch. The tubular structure of wood with metal connectors is wrapped in a "canvas" sheet which gives support to the seat and the backrest. The result is a sturdy, comfort and visually lighter piece.

Ivan Rezende will exhibit his “Construção tables”, created with materials used in everyday building construction in Brazil. The metal base with black enamel paint supports a top in versions with refracting bricks, "cobogó" concrete (typical Brazilian hollow blocks) or solid wood from sustainably-managed sources.

Dialogo Design will show Freeze, designed by Ricardo Saint-Clair, a re-reading of table lamps with a flexible arm. Using the additive process of Selective Laser Sintering in steel, with an extra metal coating, it is equipped with a LED bulb. The defining feature is its static form: immobile as in a sculpture, its somehow captures and freezes the beauty of its movement in time.

The Galante armchair, conceived by Eduardo Baroni, will complete the exhibition. With a "freijó" solid wood base, tobacco-colored "ipê" details, and seat upholstered in aged leather, the piece expresses itself through a fluid design that enhances the art of the craftsman and the virtues of raw-materials, turning heads with its curves. It is contemporary, but with a classical elegance.

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