broken nature: the XXII triennale di milano thematic exhibition unveiled

the XXII triennale di milano unveils the thematic exhibition curated by paola antonelli entitled ‘broken nature: design takes on human survival.’ opening on friday march 1st until september 1st 2019, the installation explores the threads connecting humans to the natural environment that have been put in jeopardy over past years. by casting a wide net on architecture and design projects, the exhibition aims to underline the concept of restorative design by highlighting objects and concepts that reconsider our relationship with our environments – including both natural and social ecosystems.

totems by neri oxman and the mediated matter group at massachusetts institute of technology. 2019
image © la triennale di milano by gianluca di ioia

‘a healthy concern for the future of our planet and of our species should come as no surprise, and yet the broken nature team feels thankful for the eager and consistent responses to the theme coming from all over the world,’ says antonelli. ‘the concept of restorative design that is at the core of the XXII triennale di milano and of the exhibition, in particular, resonates with strength and sensitivity throughout the international participations. it allows us to keep believing in the power of design to help citizens understand complexity, assess risks, adapt behaviors, and demand change.’

ore streams by simone farresin and andrea trimarchi of formafantasma. 2017
image © la triennale di milano by gianluca di ioia

‘the great animal orchestra’ will also be presented as part of the ‘broken nature’ exhibition. created by american musician and bioacoustician bernie krause and the english collective united visual artists (UVA), the collaboration provides an immersive installation that presents a meditative interpretation on the necessity of preserving the beauty of the animal world. a number of directly commissioned works will also complement the thematic installation by highlighting design approaches aimed not only at correcting humanity’s self-destructive course, but also at replenishing our relationship with the environment and with all species – including other human beings.

installation view broken nature
image © la triennale di milano by gianluca di ioia

the broken nature installation has been conceived by the curatorial team as an exhibition that extends well beyond the walls of la triennale building. visitors will also be able to experience: an online platform for dynamic discourse and to unveil the curatorial process; public programming and symposia; a catalog with essays from scientists, scholars, designers, and critics, as well as a section devoted to the national participations.

oki naganode, julia lohmann. 2013
image © la triennale di milano by gianluca di ioia