The Naviglio Grande Canal was the unusual and striking stage chosen by the Italian Chair District, the Italian and international heartland of the chair industry - 800 highly specialised companies responsible for 30% of world production, to present its products during the Salone Inernazionale del Mobile held in Milan last April. A 40-metre walkway hosted an installation of seating models representing the extraordinary manufacturing skills of the Friulian seating sector, a network of small and large companies displaying an impressive combination of keen craftsmanship handed down through generations, design research and technological innovation, supported along the way by international designers to whom the design of chairs has always represented a not easy challenge and a significant test. Together, these companies depict the history and productive nature of a world-unique sector that markets tens of millions of seating models a year, satisfying the most diverse demands in terms of use, life-style and taste, and winning prestigious international contract projects to furnish the world's leading hotels, the headquarters of major car manufacturers, luxurious cruise ship staterooms, fashionable venues, airports and high-brand stores.
Floating Chairs was conceived by Luca Fois and Design Partners. The installation was the work of Fabio di Bartolomei, a designer who has completed important projects for local and international companies. His highly symbolic creation mapped out the genetic code of the seating sector, revealing its expertise, experience, creativity, passion and dynamism. Wood was the protagonist on stage as this material has always been the foundation for the area's continuous success. Di Bartolomei placed numerous wooden frames (they were deliberately chosen in raw wood) of well-known seating models from the District alongside equally striking models made of leather, plastic and metal. Coloured and computerised led lighting completed the installation, providing beautiful and varied effects. A formula that spotlighted the wide spectrum of District-made products and emphasised that quality, in all the varieties of form, finish and design, is the common denominator of the Friulian chair and recognised all over the world.
The installation, particularly fascinating in its "nocturnal" version, caught the attention of architects, interior designers and international journalists, successfully conveying the ability of Chair District companies to interpret market trends and tastes, always manufacturing high-quality products.
The floating installation was also the background for a much appreciated Gala Evening that gave the numerous guests - businessmen, architects, interior designers and journalists - an opportunity to taste excellent Friulian food and wine.