About us
House of Switzerland Milano
Serving as an accelerator for collaboration itself, the House of Switzerland Milano is celebrating the power of connection and cooperation for its third edition at Milano Design Week 2025. In a collective exhibition that embodies the strength found in bringing talents together, from independent designers to studios, universities, brands and institutions, it once again showcases the breadth of Swiss design and how collaboration is not only embedded into the country’s creative scene but also how it has been a cornerstone in the nation’s own development.
A fundamental component of the design process, collaboration is a positive force for change. Bridging borders and crossing sectors while fusing cultures together, the world we know today has been shaped and configured through a vast array of partnerships. In harnessing the creativity, know-how and perspectives of multiple people within a singular project, it allows a result to emerge that is often greater than the sum of its parts while simultaneously reaching and impacting a much wider audience.
However, for a collaboration to be successful it must be based on trust, with an open dialogue and organic synergy fuelling its dynamic. That’s why, through a democratic approach, we understand that in nurturing and promoting collaboration with integrity, especially for our younger talents, it allows for a successful transfer of knowledge within the House of Switzerland Milano. From craftsperson to designer, from designer to brand, ideas become reality within the stimulating realm of collaboration – a world where past heritage is transferred through current practice to create and establish the future-focused design on display.
And, in a world where change is needed more than ever, we recognise the importance of bringing the creative spirit of Switzerland to the world, via a global stage rooted in teamwork and fellowship that addresses critical global topics through design. Through our community, we discover a unified voice.
About the collaboration between Presence Switzerland and Pro Helvetia
As part of a three-year collaborative project, the Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia and Presence Switzerland come together again to present a collective exhibition centred on the theme of collaboration. Returning to Casa degli Artisti in Brera, multiple projects translating the theme will be displayed across its three floors.
Scenography
Recreating the golden era of workspaces through an evocative seventies-inspired backdrop, Swiss design duo Gini Moynier and graphic design studio Spectrodrama have taken an immersive approach to the scenography of this year’s exhibition. From thought-provoking installations to modular, open-plan configurations that zone each level, visitors will be transported back in time to reflect upon past heritage while witnessing the innovative minds and technological advances opening the doors to a brighter and more positive future.
In partnership with Faust Linoleum and Forbo, official suppliers of the House of Switzerland Milano, a cohesive materiality has been applied to each floor that complements the exhibitions graphic design and brings the individual spaces together. Faust and Forbo’s long-term partnership is an exemplary demonstration of the art of collaboration. Together they continue to push the boundaries of what can be achieved in the application of linoleum to furniture design. In this instance, Faust and Forbo have collaborated to produce the custom display units and scenography throughout the exhibition.
With bespoke seating solutions placed within lobbies and coworking areas, visitors will also have the opportunity to form new connections while being able to fully absorb the work on show. Synergistic displays will invite visitors to contribute and share their own opinions on the theme of collaboration, paying homage to the team’s mission to create an environment that fosters and encourages human interaction.
Designed and conceived with circularity in mind, the set components will be recycled and repurposed within future events and exhibitions – once again highlighting the conscious creativity of the country’s design scene.
Seeking to symbolise the visceral benefits of collaboration, this reflective presentation also alludes to the universality of design. In resonating with a global audience, it showcases the vigour found within the unification of creative minds, allowing them to communicate outside of their independent environments and connect with new worlds, cultures and voices through the collective language of design.
Jury
This year’s jury brings together some of the industry’s leading critical minds:
- Johanna Agerman Ross, Chief Curator of The Design Museum (London)
- Maddalena Casadei, designer and art director
- Max Fraser, Editorial Director of Dezeen
- Marie Hesseldahl, Design Director of +Halle
- Janni Vepsäläinen, Creative Director of Iittala
Presented by
Presence Switzerland, a unit of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, is responsible for promoting Switzerland’s image abroad, and implements Switzerland's Strategy for Communication Abroad. It supports the safeguarding of Switzerland’s interests by using various public relation tools. It works in particular to improve the general level of knowledge about Switzerland, promote a positive attitude towards the country, and showcase its diversity and attractiveness. Presence Switzerland implements its communication work in cooperation with the Swiss representations abroad, in coordination with the specific departments, and with the involvement of private actors both at home and abroad.
As the Swiss Arts Council, Pro Helvetia promotes contemporary, professional art and culture. Pro Helvetia supports the creation and dissemination of contemporary, professional art from Switzerland, as well as cultural exchange both within the country and abroad. In addition to the head office in Zurich, the foundation is represented internationally by its branch offices.
Official suppliers
Faust is located in the rural foothills of the German Alps, specialising in designing, manufacturing, and distributing furniture, with expertise in custom-made linoleum-topped tables. Founded by Franz Faust, the company envisioned a democratic, efficient, and responsible manufacturing process, a vision now led by his daughter, Antonia Faust. The company blends family-run workshop care with hi-tech, eco-friendly practices. Every object Faust produces is made to our customers exact specifications and designed for longevity. Individually, Faust furniture pieces are intended to be a pleasure to use, sustainable and efficient to produce. Collectively, their range of products is comprehensive, ensuring customers can find everything they need for large or small projects, domestic or commercial. Faust works in close cooperation with outstanding international designers toward the goal of creating hardworking products, exclusive to Faust, that balance responsibility, functionality and beauty.
Forbo Flooring Systems is renowned for its wide range of flooring products, including Linoleum, Vinyl, and Textile. One of their standout collections is Furniture Linoleum, a specialty within the Linoleum range. This product offers designers and interior architects the opportunity to create climate-positive finishes for furniture, kitchens, doors, and cabinets, with a variety of color options to choose from.
Institutional partner
Federal Office of Culture
The Federal Office of Culture (FOC) is the federal government’s central institution for cultural policy. It promotes diverse, high-quality cultural creation, fostering creativity and innovation in Switzerland. It also supports broad public participation in cultural life and preserves cultural heritage. A key priority is sustainable, high-quality building culture. The FOC supports amateur culture, living traditions, and traditional craftsmanship. By promoting multilingualism and intercultural dialogue, it strengthens social cohesion. Additionally, it enhances collaboration and coordination in the cultural sector.
Technical partner
Based in Fribourg and Bern, BRIGADE is a design studio combining classic design principles with innovation to create bold visual and brand experiences. Specialising in branding, spatial and interactive solutions, the studio is dedicated to creating meaningful brand experiences for companies, institutions and individuals. With a collaborative approach to each project, its work brings people together by combining creativity and strategy to develop communication experiences that truly resonate with a global audience.
F&B partners
Switzerland Cheese Marketing Italia
Ticinowine
In association with
The Swiss Design Association is a competence centre for the comprehensive transfer of knowledge within the Swiss design industry. The association actively represents the interests of its members who are professionally active in the field of design. SDA is the competent point of contact for the Swiss design scene and mediates between the fields of design, business, education and politics. SDA supports its members in their professional activities to the best of its ability and lends visibility to contemporary Swiss design.
Casa degli Artisti is a hub for artists in residence but also a place open to the public where they can visit exhibitions, listen to concerts, participate in performances, talks and workshops. As a cultural partner, the Casa degli Artisti shares the mission of the "House of Switzerland Milano" and promotes creativity and exchange between artists.