Car manufacturers Ford and Mazda cruised into this week’s Salone del Mobile, also known as Milan Design Week, to showcase the skills of their design teams.
Ford’s global designers are displaying a range of non-automotive objects inspired by the all-new Ford GT, at the world’s leading furniture design expo.
Among the many objects which are on display include a racing sailboat, guitar and foosball table.
Other objects on display included a suspended light, a WI-FI speaker and two different interpretations for lounge furniture.
Ford’s designers applied the interior design philosophy behind the Ford GT to create the objects.
The purpose of the Milan Design Week display was to demonstrate that the interior design philosophy of the Ford GT can be applied to a range of non-automotive objects.
Ford Motor Company vice president for design, Moray Callum, said the Milan Design Week display was the perfect forum to showcase Ford’s creativity.
“We have an incredible amount of talent in our global design studios,” he said.
“Salone del Mobile is the perfect forum to share some of that creativity, while also offering an opportunity to get exposure to new ideas that will inspire future Ford design.”
Ford has also been working with architect Attilio Stocchi, in collaboration with Federlegno Arredo Eventi, to create the experience of “FAVILLA, Every Light a Voice’ at the Salone del Mobile.
The immersive installation also takes inspiration from the Ford GT, and unfolds inside two large boxes.
The first box examines the science of light amid a dazzling, reflective show.
The second box is curated by Ford’s in-house animation studio and showcases how Ford design shapes both form and function.
Many other companies have used this year’s Milan Design Week as a showcase for their innovative products.
Apple is one of the 2106 exhibitors to feature in Milan this year.
The tech giant is previewing its Apple Watch for one day only on April 17, with a chance to view and try on the watch available for display goers.
‘Mazda Design: The Car as Art’ display featured art works born of the process of experimentation and study, inspired by its latest models; the Mazda CX-3 compact crossover SUV and the Mazda MX-5 open-top two seater sports car.
