If aliens had landed on earth
at the 2006 Salone del Mobile (even the building structure facilitated UFO landing, see the vortex?) and could have only learned about earthlings’ homes through
the “design” pavilions (5,6,7, 8, 10, 12) at the fair, they would probably have made
the following assumptions (Photo intro/right: Barbarians at the Gate. It's 5 minutes til opening time at the new Rho-Pero Exhibition center):
 Earthlings have it easy and enjoy their homes, which are focal
points for socialization. They
probably have people over more often than they go out.
- Oversized accessories are fashionable. From oversized lampshades and lamps, to
oversized flowerpots, “giant” is good.
Concept: Alice in
Wonderland. (Photo: stand Fratelli Boffi , also see Thorsten van Elten for giant flowerpots like tea cups; Moooi .)
- Red, white, and black are the predominant colors. Metallic tones (gold, silver, bronze)
are also popular. Concept: Color palettes are simple.
 People entertain large numbers of guests at once, and these guests
like to be very relaxed. Most
seating is made up of sofas, as opposed to the single chair, in a true
lounge setting. These sofas are
often sectionals on average 3m (10ft - or longer!) on the long side, low to the ground,
very deep, and inviting. Concepts: Soft-furnishings are
plush and ample, comfort is both visual and real. Relaxation is a priority. (Photo: Kilt, by Zanotta )
- Living spaces are vast with high ceilings and few internal
barriers. The areas dedicated to
“day” activities measure at least 8m x 5m (40m2 or roughly 400ft2), and are often multipurpose spaces which combine a ‘living
area’ and a dining area and sometimes a small dedicated office nook. The lack of internal barriers means that
surface area is created by freestanding dividers which offer utility on
both sides. Also, because spaces
are multifunctional (not necessarily because they are small), sometimes
people choose furniture which serves dual purposes or is
“convertible”. Concepts: Open spaces, ceiling high bookshelves, high visual impact room dividers which incorporate a graphic
pattern, or very noticeable features, dual-purpose furnishings. Always be prepared for an impromptu gathering. (Examples: Vitra 'Roc' room dividers, Poliform and Flexform)
- 1960s are back, especially for colors. Retro styles are juxtaposed against
modern fabrics/techniques. Antique or previous decades' styles are combined with modern fabrics.
Concepts: Austin Powers, black
and white cartoons. Vinyl is king. It’s ok to mix styles, decades, even
centuries in the same room, on the same piece. (Example: Oscar Italia)
 Chairs are ‘curvaceous’, not linear with right angles or sharp corners. For the most part, both “straight”
chairs and upholstered chairs incorporate curves and give a sense of
‘softness’ and facilitate reclining or relaxed seating. These chairs are often off to the side
by themselves, maybe for thinking or reading. Bar stools are curvy, even. Concepts: Soft visual lines, circular elements, the
curvilinear chaise longue, round group seating, “space-age” futuristic
designs (Photo: Saruyama Islands, by Toshiyuki Kita, for Moroso. See also new upholstery for Tatlin by Edra )
 Good smelling rooms are important. Accessories which facilitate sensory stimulation, such as the introduction of fragrances through mechanical means, are used as room accessories (photo: Q (Quinton) Fragrance diffuser prototype by Mathieu Lehanneur, at VIA France exposition, copyright V. Huyghe). Concept: Arouse the senses.
- Floral prints, in particular, along with animal skins, are incorporated into every aspect of furnishings. Depth is added to the living environment by repeating these patterns on accessories like pillows, rugs, mirrors, etc. Concept: Urban sprawl and harsh external surroundings necessitate bringing nature into your home. At the same time, the need to feel technological yet at one with nature is satisfied by creating these motifs graphically (not hand-drawn). (Example: The new Moroso collection, in particular the non-upholstered, poinsettia reminiscent chaise longue, Antibodi , by Patricia Urquiola.)
- Wallpaper is used for wall coverings, instead of paint. Rugs are important accessories. Concept: Every element of the living space is personalized for visual stimulation.
- Upholstery/production materials explore limits of mechanization
and production. Tabletop surface finishes
incorporate designs or become focal points. Concept: Materials and technological innovation come before/with creative design aesthetics (See MaartenBaas clay furniture, Vitra Slow Chair by R&E Bouroullec , Edra).
 Kitchens are almost as large as living areas, if not
larger. This great space is
dedicated to cooking functions, probably for the large numbers of guests
entertained at once. The kitchens
have two ovens at least and instead of including a dining table, include a
“sushi-bar” type element. Center
islands are popular. Stainless
steel, wood grains, marble and lacquered finishes continue to be
popular—the high tech look.
Concept: The Jetsons meet
Nigella Lawson. (Photo: DuPont Corian Z Island) (Examples: Schiffini, Boffi, Ernestomeda)
- The bedroom? Earthlings must not sleep much, because it wasn't a big feature, except for children's rooms!
For more images of the fair and side events, visit MoCoLoco , designboom , Reluct , DesignWs
Next week, did Aliens land at the Salone
Satellite (Young designers) ?
(thanks to Elizabeth Spiers for the alien concept)
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