The future of design and the new role of the designer according to studio Stefano Boeri Interiors

Stefano Boeri is one of the most renowned designers on the contemporary Italian scene, acknowledged worldwide.

Throughout his career, Boeri has constantly broadened his field of action: architect, urban planner, academic, architectural theorist and curator, to the point of being elected as a pioneer of Biodiversity by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), “for his commitment to the transformation of architecture as a sphere of life through a design that is attentive to natural biodiversity and for his vision and projects of a sustainable city of the future that is accessible to all”’.

Among the values and principles that lie at the heart of Stefano Boeri Interiors’ design approach is the constant quest to support sustainable urban development.

The firm, in fact, promotes and supports a circular economy, thanks to the use of materials of natural derivation with certified and guaranteed levels of healthiness for inhabited spaces or with a high recycling percentage.

The Mux70 executive collection, designed for Frezza, fully represents this multidisciplinary approach, which projects a vision of a fluid, dynamic environment into the office of the future, a place no longer just devoted to work but rather a space made up of connections, where design responds with new forms and meanings, contributing to people’s wellbeing.

Furthermore, the Mux70 collection perfectly embodies the principles of sustainability and durability, through responsible design choices such as the use of materials that reduce waste and guarantee total recycling.

The design’s sustainability is further reinforced by the complete disassembly of all components, a feature that facilitates the separation of materials at the end of their life for easy recycling or disposal.

Particularly significant is the use of Oleomalta, a 100% recyclable product based on water, sunflower oil and sand mix, which underlines the sustainable design of Mux70. This innovative material not only stands out for its aesthetic qualities, but also actively contributes to air purification. Its cold production process also contributes to the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions, demonstrating how it is possible to combine beauty with environmental respect.

We interviewed studio Stefano Boeri Interiors, founded by Stefano Boeri with Giorgio Donà, to reflect on the new role of the designer and the evolution of workspace design through the relationship with its surrounding environment.

What emerges from their words is an urgency to mend the breach between human beings and the planet through an eco-design approach. Human spaces cannot be separated from Nature, so investing in a design that is truly sustainable means first of all understanding that the future belongs to those who build and design today.

1. How is design reinterpreted in light of today’s new lifestyles and sustainable consumption choices?

In today’s world, our profession faces ever-changing, often unexpected, unpredictable challenges.

Navigating these complexities requires an interdisciplinary approach, broader perspectives and the ability to draw inspiration from diverse and sometimes seemingly unrelated disciplines. We dedicate ourselves to projects that not only fulfil functional and expressive roles but also create new, fluid and synergic connections with environmental issues. I believe we must embrace a versatile design philosophy, capable of reimagining traditional materials into creations that surpass conventional expectations and enrich our everyday environment with new forms and meanings.

2. Nowadays, those who design products and services must tread the path of climate neutrality and sustainability. What are the opportunities and what are the obstacles?

We are very fortunate to have chosen a field that serves as an extraordinary experimental laboratory. Our projects aim to synthesize durability, inherent to the materials we use, with innovative construction solutions. The materials we select are part of an ethical approach, such as those that can be reintegrated into the production process. Our architectural choices are designed to be functional not only for their intended use but also in terms of sustainability, meeting various needs, such as prefabrication for rapid construction.

Technology is also a fundamental part of our creative process. We employ devices and tools that make space usage more intuitive and controlled, offering solutions that enable users to engage with their environments more responsibly. This approach fosters new relationships between our daily actions and the resources we use, whether we are working, cooking, resting, or sharing experiences, even remotely.

3. Eco-design means reducing the impact of products placed on the market and considering their entire life cycle. The role of the designer is increasingly central in the sustainable transition of companies: how is this responsibility perceived?

For years we have embraced the idea that living nature and plants should be integral to both our architecture and interiors, not merely as a decoration but as a fundamental component of our design.

This approach has heightened our awareness that sustainability and ecological transition extend beyond just ‘green’ initiatives. They encompass the materials we use, the product life cycle, recycling, reuse and post-use conversion. This involves addressing critical issues such as the water cycle and the utilization of resources across different scales.

The designer’s role has become increasingly vital, not only as a key figure in shaping a project but also in actively engaging with the entire production process. By understanding its limits and potential, the designer ensures that the final outcome reflects a more integrated and responsible complexity.