Design – the practice of ceaselessly transforming the spaces of our daily lives, that words often struggle to grasp – is deeply rooted in craftsmanship, in the tangible act of creation, in what we now recognize as the field of “making”. Making is design; work is design.

From this idea comes Hilti’s intention, as a leading player in the world of making, to meet the design community. This vision has led to the creation of Hilti Hero Hub, the space located in Via Tortona 12 marking Hilti’s very first debut at Fuorisalone. The project brings abstract concepts connected to work into a tangible, immersive experience, unveiling the human side of construction – its most fundamental element. The Heroes who inspire this project are, in fact, the people who work, making the transformation of space achivable.

Hilti has a significant story to tell on this subject. Founded as a family business in Liechtenstein in 1941, it has also been part of Italy’s history for over 70 years, with its local headquarters in Sesto San Giovanni, a former working-class capital. Today, Hilti operates in 120 countries, offering products, systems, software, and services dedicated to the construction industry – an ecosystem where many innovations come directly from customers actively engaged in the making realm.

Hilti’s MT modular support system and cordless tools, designed with a focus on ergonomics and sustainability, have won multiple Red Dot and iF Design Awards – a testament to the brand’s strong identity showcased at Milan Design Week. But this identity is not just about products; it’s also visual, embodied in the iconic red that defines Hilti’s logo and tools.

At Hero Hub, visitors step into an entertainment area, an experiential space where they can engage and move beyond clichés associated with the construction world. The Hilti red is everywhere, and the construction site becomes the primary storytelling device. Rooted in its ancient origins (the Greek “kanthélios” referred to a pack donkey, a symbol of labor), the concept of the construction site has evolved, from load-bearing beams to representing an entire place of creation. Here, it is presented as a complex yet fascinating reality, guiding visitors through its depths.

Two key installations define this space. “Emozioni verticali” (Vertical Emotions) celebrates the wall in its raw, essential honesty – as a fundamental element of construction and a setting for labor. It also honors Hilti’s tools as true design objects, uniting workers and visitors in the shared experience of being Hilti Heroes. “Floating Tool” invites visitors to lift a metaphorical concrete block using a Hilti tool, offering what the company calls a “poetic” vision of the central role of people in construction.
In this Design Week of “Connected Worlds”, Hilti brings this poetic touch into conversation with reality, the same reality of a world transformed by human action of making, where shared experiences bring people together.