The 2026 edition of Milan's Salone del Mobile furniture fair will introduce Salone Contract, a forum led by OMA partners Rem Koolhaas and David Gianotten, focusing on contract furniture designed for public spaces such as workplaces, restaurants, and healthcare facilities.
© Salone del Mobile.Milano
The forum will serve as a soft launch for the multi-year Salone Contract initiative, which is set to debut formally at Salone del Mobile 2027. It will explore the growing global role of contract furniture, highlighting design, industrial capability, and operational reliability. Koolhaas will deliver a lecture to introduce visitors to the concept, alongside a thematic itinerary showcasing key exhibitors and trends in the sector.
From September 2026, the project will expand as an international road tour, gradually building a global audience. OMA was selected for its combination of design practice, research-driven methodology, and interdisciplinary approach, which organisers said makes the firm ideal for guiding Salone Contract.
This initiative follows other recent Salone del Mobile innovations, including Salone Raritas, an exhibition for unique and limited-edition designs, and the first satellite fair in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, designed to strengthen cultural and commercial ties between Italy and the Middle East.
Source: www.dezeen.com
