Lombardy on top of the world at Fuori Salone 2024
THE ICE PYRAMID FROM SKYSCRAPERS IN NEPAL
In March 2024, Milan sparkled with excitement as Design Week took center stage. Piazza Città di Lombardia, boasting an impressive 3800 square meters, emerged as the epicenter of a series of exclusive activities and events, showcasing the pinnacle of Lombard excellence that has long defined Italy’s global reputation.
At the heart of this spectacle lies Lombardia Square, a key component of the ambitious Lombardia Style initiative. Spearheaded by Barbara Mazzali, the Councillor for Tourism, Territorial Marketing, and Fashion, this project was unveiled at last February’s BIT in Milan. Lombardia Style stands as more than just a trademark; it’s a testament to the Region’s commitment to identifying and certifying the finest in production and creativity originating from Lombardy.
Mostra Viaggio Sentimentale in Lombardia di Jacopo Ascari
From April 16th to April 21st, during the Fuori Salone event, Lombardia Square becomes home to the extraordinary Pyramid at Everest installation. This remarkable structure, measuring 17x17x11m, is crafted entirely in Lombardy and is open for public exploration before its journey to Nepal. There, it will serve as the covering for the Pyramid Observatory Laboratory, effectively bringing the emblem of the Region to a staggering 5,050m atop the world’s highest peak.
The laboratory itself stands as a testament to high-altitude scientific research, established in 1990 by Ardito Desio and Agostino da Polenza. Its purpose is to provide the international scientific community with a unique platform for studying various aspects of the environment, climate, human physiology, geology, and cutting-edge technology in the pristine and protected mountainous region.
“Lombardia Square kicks off its Fuori Salone 2024 lineup with an exciting debut, courtesy of President Fontana’s support: the unveiling of the Pyramid at Everest. This groundbreaking project, as remarked by Councillor Barbara Mazzali for Tourism, Territorial Marketing, and Fashion, offers a rare chance to witness the structure firsthand before it’s transported to Everest for essential maintenance cover-up. The installation stands as a testament to Lombardy’s innovation, showcasing excellence born and bred in the region.”
Mostra Iconic Women di Domenico Pellegrino
The Pyramid, situated prominently within the bustling square amidst the towering skyscrapers of the Region, was unveiled in a grand ceremony attended by President Attilio Fontana and Councilor Barbara Mazzali. It is poised to become a global symbol representing mountainous regions and will serve as a unique observatory focused on climate change.
Contained within its structure are three distinct blocks of ice, each emblematic of the varying conditions of Alpine and Himalayan glaciers: pristine, unadulterated ice; ice tarnished by darkening effects; and ice obscured by rocky debris.
Throughout the design week, these ice blocks will be meticulously monitored by the Department of Environmental Sciences and Policies at the State University of Milan. This initiative serves as an urban glaciology project aimed at raising awareness about the accelerating rate of glacial melting attributed to climate change.
In addition, visitors will have the opportunity to embark on an immersive journey through the use of OCULOS viewers. These cutting-edge devices will transport visitors through captivating videos captured by UNIMI during their research expeditions on the Forni Glacier. By virtually stepping onto the glacier alongside La Statale’s researchers, visitors will gain firsthand insight into the profound impacts of climate change on these icy landscapes.
Inaugurazione Piramide all’Everest Piazza Città di Lombardia