During MDW25
7(MON)—13(SUN) April 2025
A portal between myths, the NOI—MEN Gate unites the Biscione Visconteo and the Chinese Dragon, merging Milanese and Chinese heritage. A new artist reinterprets this fusion every year, keeping the dialogue between past and future alive. Step through and become part of the story.
Designed by Dontstop Architettura
DONTSTOP architettura, founded in Milan in 2011 by Michele Brunello and Marco Brega, joined Progetto CMR International Group in 2023. With a global team of architects, designers, and urban planners, it creates cultural and technical content on space. Structured into Architecture, Design, and Research, DONTSTOP fosters debate, challenges norms, and redefines aesthetics
Creativity & Illustration:
Silvan Borer is an award winning interdisciplinary artist and designer based in Zurich, Switzerland, working for a wide range of national and international clients. He worked with Tommaso Lanciani to create, in a participatory way, the big dragon for the paving of the pedestrian street of Chinatown in Milan.
Tommaso Lanciani is an interdisciplinary artist, concept creator and author based in Chinatown, Milan, working for the ideals of a better world. He worked with Silvan Borer to create, in a participatory way, the big dragon for the paving of the pedestrian street of Chinatown in Milan.
During MDW25
7(MON)—13(SUN) April 2025
During Milan Design Week 2025, the streets of Zona Sarpi will be adorned with the TOGETHERNESS, a vibrant expression of culture, connection, and shared experiences. Some flags celebrate food—an essential bridge between traditions, flavors, and generations. Others depict moments of togetherness: eating, playing, studying, moving as one. These simple yet powerful scenes reflect the heart of Zona Sarpi, where daily life is an act of collaboration. Look up, and you’ll see a tapestry of stories woven from the universal language of being together.
Creativity & Illustration by
Silvan Borer & Tommaso Lanciani
SARPI WRAP: From urban space to open exhibition
ZONA SARPI invites you to discover the WARP — more than a barrier, it’s a canvas of creativityand culture. Blending East and West, it embodies the neighborhood’s vibrant spirit. Look closerand uncover layers of meaning and design. Come to Via Sarpi to check it all!
Concept
Luca Fois
Visual Design
Elvira
SARPI WRAP: Light up passion, bring joy.
ART TOY: Not just a toy. They are shaping a new wave of collectible culture, where design, storytelling, and artistic vision collide. More than play things, they serve as a window into a vibrant Oriental world. Discover the leading Art Toy brand, POPMART, creating a buzz during Design Week, together with ZONA SARPI!
By
POPMART
SARPI WRAP: With the 100-year history of the Chinese community
Step into the past with “History of Sarpi”, a visual journey through the vibrant story of Milan’s most dynamic neighborhood. Thanks to the wonderful illustrations by Alessandro Grande and Marzio Mariani, this section of the WRAP will tell you the transformations, traditions, and moments that have shaped Zona Sarpi over the past 100years, since the establishment of the Chinese Community! From its rich cultural heritage to its contemporary spirit, every illustration reveals a piece of the neighborhood’s identity. Discover how East and West have intertwined here, creating a place like no other in Milan.
Idea and coordination
Michele Brunello(Dontstop Architettura)
Art direction and drawings
Alessandro Grande
Marzio Mariani
Historical research
Guadalupe Ciccoletto (Dontstop Architettura)
Chinese community referent
Angela Zhou
Thanks to
Investire sgr
Fondo Ca’Granda
The construction of SARPI WRAP was made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship of Ms. Angela Zhou and the support of the following stores and friends —
Angela Chen — Foodie (吃货) | Yang Shichun — Noodles & Soups (万顺面馆) | Wang Yue — KOI | Zheng Qiushi — Mochi mochi (大福屋) | Angelo — YangGuoFu (杨国福) | Angela Zhou — Milan HuaXia Group (米兰华夏集团) | Fiona Bai — Europe Chinese News (欧洲华人报) | Liao Cuiwei — Il sottomarino | Cai Jinfa — Nekoffee (喵茶) | MLJ （美佳乐) | Xu Tingrong — Cantina Sarpi 1 (唐人街一号酒庄）
NOI—MEN GATE merges Milan’s Biscione Visconteo with the Chinese Dragon, symbolizing the bond between two cultures. Step through and explore this evolving artistic dialogue.
During MDW25
Via Sarpi, 1
20154 Milano (MI)
TOGETHERNESS, flags that celebrate food, play, and togetherness—capturing the essence of Zona Sarpi, where daily life is a shared experience of culture and connection.
During MDW25
Along Via Sarpi
20154 Milano (MI)
WRAP at Via Sarpi 13 is more than a barrier—it’s a canvas where East meets West, creativity meets culture. Look closer to reveal hidden stories, symbols, and the vibrant spirit of the neighborhood.
From MDW25
until MAY 2025
Via Sarpi, 13
—corner Via Bramante
20154 Milano (MI)
The 2025 MILANO DESIGN WEEK · CHINA & DESIGN will showcase global Chinese avant-garde designers, highlighting their unique creativity and cultural heritage, at Zona Sarpi during Milan Design Week.
7(MON) —13(SUN)
MDW 2025
ADI DESIGN MUSEUM
P.za Compasso d'Oro, 1
20154 Milano MI
From April 3-17, 2025, Circolo UltraFiorucci (Via Lomazzo 19) presents Lost and Found, an exhibition turning everyday objects into art and memory
14:00—18:00
3(THU)—17(THU) April 2025
Circolo UltraFiorucci
Via Paolo Lomazzo, 19
20154 Milano MI
The opening of Mi in Mi, featuring a presentation and a Food Design workshop, where each participant will create their own “rice island”, transforming Asian ingredients into a unique creation.
14:00—18:00
8(TUE)—13(SUN) April 2025
Via Luigi Canonica, 40
20154 Milano (MI)
A performance celebrating May’s sowing period and concluding the Mi in Mi project. Through evocative movements, it invites reflection on the deep connection between humans, nature, food, and culture.
19:00—10:00
8(TUE) April
Via Luigi Nono, 7/9
20154 Milano (MI)
Nicola Maggi presents “Le vie del marmo” in Via Paolo Sarpi 16, 21, and 55. From April 7 to 13, explore urban sculptures made from marble crusts, curated by Stephan Hamel.
10:00—20:00
7(MON) —13(SUN) April
Via Sarpi 21-56-16
20154 Milano (MI)
CONTACTS
+39 329 699 8259
info@studiomaggi.shop
Italia Oggi Milano promotes Italian culture, supporting Asian students. With WANG YI MING’s Social Design LVB and Laboratorio Silenzio, it presents at Milan Design Week.
Free and open to all. See you there!
FROM 14:00
10(THU) April 2025
Via Sarpi, 1
20154 Milano (MI)
CONTACTS
italia@italia-oggi.com
studyabroad.oggi.tw
lvb.tw
PLAYROOMS: spaces for play and creativity for children and families throughout Milan. At the Chinese Cultural Centre, the “Culture e Colori” workshop returns with new activities.
Centro Culturale Cinese
Via Sarpi, 26 20154 Milano (MI)
CONTACTS
www.milanokidsdesignweek.com
POP MART Italy presents its MEGA COLLECTION at Milan Design Week 2025, April 7-13, Via Paolo Sarpi 8. Explore limited-edition figures blending art, trends, and pop culture!
10:00—19:30
7(MON) —13(SUN) April 2025
Via Sarpi, 8
20154 Milano (MI)
CONTACTS
www. popmart.com.it
This project, a collaboration with Panzini School, empowers the next generation to unleashcreativity and expertise for a conscious professional and community-oriented future.
10:00—18:00
7(MON)—13(SUN) April 2025
Via Giovanni Verga
20154 Milano (MI)
CONTACTS
milano@designgroupitalia.it
designgroupitalia.com
alkemy.com
The collecton explores the dialogue between glass and ceramics, where color, textureand light reveal the subtle complexity of the surfaces, embodying a quiet yet profoundbeauty.
11:00—18:00
7(MON)—13(SUN) April 2025
Via G.B. Niccolini, 35a
20154 Milano (MI)
CONTACTS
ofcinesaflab.com
The Róng Mini Library in Milan showcases material research on traditional Chinese crafts. A creative hub where designers explore and engage with tactile and auditory narratives.
9:30—18:00
8(TUE) —13(SUN) April 2025
Via G.B. Pirelli,24
20154, Milano (MI)
CONTACTS
ronglibrary.com
Civilizational roots are deep memories, while mutualism thrives in creative dialogue.Zhengzhou University bridges the Central Plains and Apennines at Milan DesignWeek, blending arches and light.
OPENING
6(SUN) April at 16:30
6(SUN)—9(TUE) April
Via Sarpi 26
20154, Milano (MI)
Winx Club joins Milan Design Week with “Spread Magic, Not Hate,” unveiling six wing designs from the new reboot series in six locations on Via Paolo Sarpi, April 7—13.
10:00—21:00
7 (MON)—13 (SUN) April 2025
Via Sarpi
20154 Milano (MI)
CONTACTS
rbw.it
SPROUTS is ARSONARS’ open-air show for Zona Sarpi, where emerging talentsbloom in unexpected spots. Art and visuals blend into daily life, making creativityspontaneous and accessible
Combining graphic design and text in a poetic dialogue, the project draws inspirationfrom Eastern poetry, like Japanese haiku and Chinese jueju. Visual narration takesshape through material elements and graphic connections
7(MON) —13(SUN) April 2025
Via Paolo Lomazzo, 34
20154 Milano (MI)
CONTACTS
info@studio-magda.com
clienti@studio-magda.com
Trep+ Design Lab hosts an event with architect Giovanetti on the theme of “Endless Perspective,” exploring the boundless possibilities of design and architecture through innovative thinking.
BREAKFAST
09:30—11:30
10(THU) April 2025
APERITIF
From 18:00
10(THU) April 2025
Via Balestrieri, 10
20154 Milano (MI)
INSTALLATION
Via Sarpi,
corner Via Messina
Design envisions the future with creativity and expertise. Design Group Italia and Alkemy BX present a project with Panzini middle school, using narrative panels to reimagine via Verga for the community.
ZONA SARPI ● APPROVED BY — Milan Municipal Government ● ART DIRECTOR — Michele Brunello, Luca Fois ● CHINA STRATEGIC CONSULTANCY — Vittorio Sun Qun ● CHINESE COMMUNITY STRATEGIC CONSULTANCY — Angela Zhou ● GENERAL COORDINATION & PROJECT MANAGEMENT — Camilla Fraboni, Marco Grattarola ● VISUAL & COMMUNICATION DESIGN, EDITORIAL ART DIRECTION — Elvira Zhao ● DESIGN ASSISTANCE — Tommaso Boccaletti ● ADMINISTRATION — Fiona BaiXue ● PRESS OFFICE — Giulia Bertolini ● SPECIAL PROJECTS — Francesca Urli, Matteo De Luca ● FOOD DESIGN PARTNER — JOYY! ● CULTURAL & COMMUNICATION PARTNER— APICAIA ● WINDOWS PARTNER — ARSONARS ● CO—ORGANIZATION — Milan Huaxia Group, BEIJING KEYI ● CHINESE TEAM — C.R., Angelo Li Jingtao, Cece Qian, Felicity Li, Silvia Wei ●ARCHITECTS: DONTSTOP ARCHITETTURA: FOUNDER — Michele Brunello, Marco Brega PROJECT LEADER— Marco Grattarola TEAM — Shanti Alberti, Jiaqi Wang, Guadalupe Ciccoletto ● SPECIAL PROJECTS: SARPI WRAP — WITH THE 100-YEAR HISTORY OF THE CHINESE COMMUNITY: CONCEPT & COORDINATION — Michele Brunello HISTORICAL RESEARCH — Guadalupe Ciccoletto ART DIRECTION & ILLUSTRATIONS — Alessandro Grande, Marzio Mariani ● SARPI WRAP — ZONA SARPI: CONCEPT — Luca Fois ART DIRECTION & VISUAL— Elvira Zhao ● SARPI GATE: NOI—MEN, SARPI FLAGS: TOGETHERNESS: CREATIVITY — Tommaso Lanciani GRAPHICS & ILLUSTRATIONS — Silvan Borer DESIGN — Dontstop Architettura●SARPI WRAP THANKS TO Angela Zhou and: Angela Chen — Foodie (吃货) | Yang Shichun — Noodles & Soups (万顺面馆) | Wang Yue — KOI | Zheng Qiushi — Mochi mochi (大福屋) | Angelo — YangGuoFu (杨国福) | Angela Zhou — Milan HuaXia Group (米兰华夏集团) | Fiona Bai — Europe Chinese News (欧洲华人报) | Liao Cuiwei — Il sottomarino | Cai Jinfa — Nekoffee (喵茶) | MLJ (美佳乐) | Xu Tingrong — Cantina Sarpi 1 (唐人街一号酒庄)●SARPI WRAP THANKS TO Investire sgr & Fondo ca’granda
