The highly anticipated Drafting Futures. Conversations about Next Perspectives returns to Salone del Mobile.Milano from April 9th–12th, 2025, at Pavilion 14. Curated by Annalisa Rosso, this four-day series of talks and round tables brings together leading voices from architecture, design, and film to explore the evolving landscape of creativity and innovation.
Each morning, Drafting Futures presents in-depth conversations with renowned figures. On April 9th, Valeria Segovia, Principal and Design Director at Gensler London, will discuss the role of architecture in community well-being with journalist Massimo De Conti. On April 10th, architect Bjarke Ingels, founder of BIG, will explore materiality, technology, and human interaction in urban planning alongside Olivia Sartogo of VIV Arts. The following day, Lesley Lokko, founder of the African Futures Institute, will highlight imagination as a key tool in architectural storytelling with Manuela Lucà-Dazio of the Pritzker Architecture Prize. Concluding the series on April 12th, Oscar-winning filmmaker Paolo Sorrentino will reflect on the theme of waiting in conversation with journalist Antonio Monda.
Afternoon round tables will tackle critical issues in design and business. The April 9th session, curated by Intesa Sanpaolo, will examine how Italian manufacturing excellence thrives in global markets. Later that day, a panel featuring industry leaders such as Mohammed Habbas Al Mutairi and Stephan Weishaupt will discuss global trade, e-commerce, and distribution in design. On April 10, experts including Pierre-Yves Rochon and Andrea Obertello will delve into the intersection of design and functionality in the hospitality industry.
The Drafting Futures Arena, designed by Formafantasma, will host these thought-provoking discussions while also serving as the home of the Salone Library, featuring books selected by the speakers on the theme of light. With its dynamic exchange of ideas and perspectives, Drafting Futures reaffirms Salone del Mobile.Milano’s role as a cultural and intellectual hub, shaping the future of design.
Editorial Director & Cultural Events
Advisor, Salone del Mobile.Milano
Oscar Winner Filmmaker
Photography courtesy of MICHAEL AVEDON
Architect, Founder and Creative, Partner Bjarke Ingels Group
Photography courtesy of BLAINE DAVI
The Spiral
Photography courtesy of LAURIANGHINITOIU
Principal, Design Director
Gensler London
Founder, Chair African Futures Institute
Photography courtesy of ALIX MCINTOSH
Photography courtesy of RENÉE DE GROOT
Drafting Futures Arena
Courtesy of FORMAFANTASMA
Executive Director The Pritzker Architecture Prize
Founder, President of the Classic Living Group
Founder and Global Design Director, PYR
Photography courtesy of ALEX SYSTERMANS
