Two iconic villas in the Milan metropolitan area where projects by designers, galleries, companies, institutions and schools are in dialogue with extraordinary works of architecture: this is Alcova, the must-see destination of Milan Design Week, which is open to the public April 15-21 this year in the unprecedented setting of Villa Bagatti Valsecchi and Villa Borsani.
On the occasion of its seventh edition, the rooms of the villas, with a strong architectural character, respectively modernist and Lombard Baroque, host the selection of Alcova projects, generating surprising juxtapositions. In particular, these two historic sites aim to inspire visitors with a broad selection of works investigating a theme always close to Alcova: the dwelling, which this year will weave a thread through these two extraordinary “domestic” contexts.
The research strands are renewed and intertwining: technological and sustainable materials and production processes, contemporary craft, experimental aesthetics, sociological, political and global issues. Among the over 70 exhibitors, Alcova’s panorama ranges from prominent designers and collaborations with major brands to emerging companies and young talents from international schools.
The site-specific approach will be stimulated by the strongly characterised contexts of the two villas. From the public art installation by Objects of Common Interest that inhabits the large park of Villa Bagatti Valsecchi, to the ad-hoc intervention by Japanese architect Junya Ishigami for the Maniera gallery in the former ice-house, hidden in the greenery of the same park. From the furnishings by Atelier de Troupe on display on the iconic staircase of Villa Borsani, to the curious installation by Sema Topaloglu Studio in one of the bathrooms of the same villa, to the dialogue that Fabian Freytag establishes in the extraordinary bar designed by Osvaldo Borsani.
In Alcova, an extremely rich scene of international designers work together to redefine the future of living. In addition, the whole Loggiato delle Scuderie become the stage for another major novelty this year: the Alcova Design Shop, an installation designed by Space Caviar with reused materials from Spazio META, will take the form of an articulated installation showcasing objects presented by Alcova online, as well as many new items put on display by this year’s exhibitors.
At sunset, the monumental spaces of Villa Bagatti Valsecchi light up thanks to the collaboration with Artemide: the lights designed by Alejandro Aravena, Bjarke Ingels and Carlotta De Bevilacqua help create an evocative and emotional atmosphere.
Alcova 2024 is made possible through collaborations with the custodians of these two unique sites. Villa Borsani is owned and maintained by the Borsani family and houses ABV (Arredamenti Borsani Varedo) and the extremely rich Osvaldo Borsani Archive. Fondazione La Versiera 1718, on the other hand, is responsible for the historic premises of Villa Bagatti Valsecchi, preserving its important architectural and cultural heritage. Don’t miss it.
