During Milan Design Week 2026, Designboom's "ROOM FOR DREAMS" will take over the ME Milan Il Duca, transforming the Aldo Rossi-designed hotel into a vibrant ecosystem of innovative ideas. This multi-layered event aims to explore the transformative power of dreams as catalysts for social and cultural change, bringing together architects, designers, cultural institutions, and leading brands. Each curated intervention will reinterpret notions of dreaming, imagination, and future potential, turning the hotel's public areas into a dynamic canvas of creativity.
Far more than a typical exhibition, "ROOM FOR DREAMS" is envisioned as a living declaration of hopeful idealism, artistic bravery, and imaginative prowess. The experience will seamlessly integrate expansive installations, narrative cinematography, engaging live discussions, and ritualistic encounters. Highlights include an immersive setup by SolidNature and AMO/OMA's Samir Bantal, a dedicated "Cinema of Dreams" by Paf atelier, and a live dialogue with acclaimed designer Philippe Starck. These varied elements are set to unfold from April 20 to 26, 2026, creating a truly unforgettable experience.
The ME Milan Il Duca, nestled in the vibrant Piazza della Repubblica, will embody a transitional state—a space where fresh perspectives can flourish. "ROOM FOR DREAMS" invites visitors on a journey through various hotel zones, from its serene outdoor garden to the bustling lobby and the subterranean meeting rooms. Designboom, alongside a diverse group of collaborators, will imbue each space with a distinct phase of dreaming. This journey, oscillating between collective aspirations and personal introspection, will blur the lines between design and emotion, presenting a tangible vision for a better future.
SolidNature and AMO/OMA's Samir Bantal will present a monumental installation in the hotel's open-air garden, utilizing stone as a medium for speculative thought. This project delves into how material selections can inspire more optimistic futures, grounding idealistic concepts in tangible materials and asserting that a better world starts with the foundational elements we choose to build it from.
In the hotel's lower level, Paf atelier, a Paris-based studio responsible for the entire "ROOM FOR DREAMS" set design, will unveil the "Cinema of Dreams." This cinematic 'time capsule' is designed as a suspended sanctuary, inviting visitors to pause, reflect, and find inspiration amidst the urban bustle. Through a curated daily film program, the cinema will explore themes of imagination, optimism, and emerging possibilities.
The hotel lobby will serve as the social heart of "ROOM FOR DREAMS," hosting a series of live talks, interviews, and informal gatherings. The week-long program will commence on April 20th with a highly anticipated live discussion featuring Philippe Starck, a renowned visionary in the design world, starting at 3:00 PM.
Also located in the lobby, Ressence will challenge conventional perceptions of time with an installation showcasing their horological masterpieces. This display will feature notable watches, unique pieces, and rarely seen components, including collaborations with industrial designer Marc Newson and artist Terumasa Ikeda, as well as a major new release from Watches and Wonders Geneva. Additionally, Ressence will present 'Now is Better,' a film by graphic designer Stefan Sagmeister, in the "Cinema of Dreams."
La Marzocco's Accademia del Caffè Espresso, a center dedicated to coffee research and education, will redefine daily rituals with "Coffee PortrAIts." This experimental format merges technology and traditional craftsmanship, demonstrating how they can complement rather than compete. Each day, a different guest roaster will offer limited servings from a mobile coffee cart, creating a living, multi-sensory exhibition.
Technology will play a dual role as both a tool and a subject within the project. OPPO is partnering with Designboom to produce 'Seeing Further,' a short film entirely captured on its latest flagship device, the Find X9 Ultra, and screened as part of the event. Concurrently, INDX|GLOBAL will host a live podcast series within "ROOM FOR DREAMS," featuring global voices from architecture and design to explore creative thinking as a catalyst for transformation.
"ROOM FOR DREAMS" represents a unique convergence of design, art, and technology, promising to deliver an engaging and thought-provoking experience at Milan Design Week 2026. The event’s innovative approach to exploring imagination and future possibilities through diverse installations, cinematic narratives, and interactive discussions positions it as a significant highlight of the design calendar.