Brera Design District unveiled "Orizzonti", a new installation at the Brera Design Apartment during Milan Design Week 2025. Designed by Zanellato/Bortotto, the project was presented as a reflection of Fuorisalone's 2025 theme, "Connected Worlds", and will remain open to visitors by appointment from 2nd to 25th May (excluding weekends and public holidays).
"Orizzonti" reimagined the Brera Design Apartment as a narrative space shaped by craftsmanship, memory, and cultural dialogue. Designed by Daniele Bortotto and Giorgia Zanellato, creative directors of Zanellato/Bortotto Studio, the installation served as a design manifesto exploring the interplay of distinct visions and layered connections between physical, spiritual, and creative realms.
The concept stemmed from the etymology of "Orizzonti", from the Greek for "circle which delimits", evoking the visible boundary between Earth and sky. 'The horizon is visibly that symbolic space where the sun rises and sets,' said Zanellato and Bortotto. 'For this reason since ancient times it has been one of the first point of reference for orientation during journeys to discover the world. At the same time, the horizon has always been a source of inspiration for artists who have made it the protagonist of a lot of their works. The horizon is food for thought and an invitation to explore what's beyond a boundary, to connect with other worlds and dimensions: thus, it also represents the urge not to stop when faced with uncertain answers.'
The duo's design encouraged disorientation as a catalyst for perspective-shifting. Visitors were invited to question their viewpoints and immerse themselves in a journey composed of artistic influences, archival materials, and cinematic cues. The apartment's five rooms were individually curated, each inspired by a unique suggestion symbolising a different world.
'At the heart of this project is the dynamic balance of working as a duo,' the designers noted. The exchange between their perspectives, their own "Connected Worlds", became the foundation for the layout. Through nuanced surfaces, layered textures, and subtle graphic signs, the apartment told a cohesive story of connection and transformation.
This experimental and tactile journey also highlighted the craftsmanship central to the Brera district's identity. Artecasa, a leading Milanese contractor, oversaw the project's execution with meticulous attention to detail. Main Partners included Artecasa, Botteganove, and Bolzan, with further support from Agape, Davide Groppi, Delsavio 1910, Ethimo, FENIX®, Fischbacher 1819, Lunardelli Venezia, Moroso, Rezina, Saba, Sikkens, and Wall&Decò.
The narrative was further enriched by collectors' pieces from Galleria Luisa delle Piane and contributions from Acqua di Parma, Alpes Inox, cc-tapis, Green Wise, Lanerossi, Radici Carpet and Samsung.
"Orizzonti" will remain open to the public by appointment until 25th May.
More information:
Brera Design District
[email protected]
www.breradesigndistrict.it