Inspired by works of lightness and clarity, Berghinz’s exhibition design has focussed on the public areas with the aim of successfully bringing together all the forms of art presented and making the visitor feel comfortable and welcome. The exhibition occupies a larger area with respect to the space available in the 2013 edition. The level under the galleries that last year was used just for the entrance and VIP lounge, this year houses the Martalks auditorium for holding conferences, conversations and interviews, the Editoria section and the Object section.

On entering, the visitor is presented with a series of diagonal lines and jagged edges that create a unique perspective of the stands in the public areas. “Making space by exploiting a larger area available under the galleries has enabled more space to be given over to the THENnow section, much favoured by de Bellis. Last year it suffered a little from being arranged like the other stands, risking going unnoticed” says Martino Berghinz.

The space dedicated to Object where, like last year, a selection of design galleries are presented, is a small section of balanced proportions. “Object takes account of the fact it is a satellite to the Art Fair”, recounts curator Federica Sala – “Vincenzo’s intention was that the area given over to the art galleries was limited to the physical confines of the building because it is right for the city of Milan to have a fair of these proportions; so in the same way the design section is smaller than the art fair”.

What is more, Object cannot ignore the fact that in a few days time the Milan Furniture Fair will be opening and “although in the first year it was quite complicated to convince galleries to take part and come to Milan a week before the Fair to present designs” – continues Federica Sala – “this year it was easier. The fact that there was at least a week apart from the Furniture Fair was better for the small galleries who didn’t have to manage two exhibitions at the same time”.