StraordinAria installation by We+ for Elica – All photos by ©Antinori, courtesy of 5Vie and Elica.

Design — Have you ever walked through a cloud? Now, you can do it in a stunning Baroque courtyard in the heart of Milan. During the design week, head to Palazzo Litta to discover StraordinAria (StraordinAir), an immersive installation by Tokyo-based studio We+ for Elica, a global leader in kitchen extraction systems. On show until April 21 at 5Vie Design District, Corso Magenta 24, [Map].

• RELATED STORIES: Read more about Milan Design Week 2024 on Archipanic.

The artwork beckons visitors to traverse a ‘cloud’ woven from translucent, tulle-made tubes suspended from above. The textiles come in a gradient ranging from frost azure to hot red, and nodding to the constantly changing air warmth in the kitchen.

“We have been inspired by natural elements, the venue and the concept of ‘Straordinaria’ to give birth to an installation where nature, beauty and colour blend to offer visitors a sensory journey around ‘ air’. The brand’s true essence has guided us in the search for an authentic interpretation of its values.” Explain Toshiya Hayashi and Hokuto Ando of We+. “The  ‘relation’ and ‘contact’ with shapes, materials, hues and depth allow visitors to enjoy a special connection with elements.”

The installation was meticulously designed to foster intimate dialogue with the artwork. The strategic use of materials, the adaptability of shapes and space, and the elements’ lightness and dynamism all celebrate the ingeniousness, accuracy, dedication, and savoir-faire that define Elica’s Kitchens.

StraordinAria was developed in collaboration with Fondazione Ermanno Casoli, named after Elica’s visionary founder, and curated by Marcello Smarrelli. The installation is completed with a display of the ultimate kitchen by Elica.

We+ is a contemporary design studio founded in 2013 by Toshiya Hayashi and Hokuto Ando. It uses research and experimentation methods to give form to new perspectives and values. Elica is an Italian company with over 50 years of history that stands at the forefront of cooking appliance production and design.

StraordinAria by We+ for Elica – Courtesy of 5Vie and Elica.