Milan’s iconic Teatro dell’Arte was host yesterday to the first public symposium dedicated to the22nd edition of the Triennale di Milano, which will take place between 1 March and 1 September 2019. Focused on the theme of this edition –“Broken Nature: Design Takes on Human Survival”- the event gathered architects, designers, curators, scientists and professors from all over the world.

　　A week after the XXII Triennale di Milano received formal recognition from the BIE, the symposium was opened by Stefano Boeri, President of the eponymous foundation. Introducing the Broken Nature concept, Mr. Boeri invited participants to “reflect on how we can and should consider the opportunities of giving back to the natural sphere what we have stolen from it.” In the ‘Technosphere’ era in which digital tools are omnipresent, the President indicated that the Triennale will question the very meaning of nature as a phenomenon.

　　For Paola Antonelli, Curator of the XXII Triennale di Milano, answers can be found thanks to the willingness “to change the way we think about the world” and to help citizens “change the way they inhabit the world”. The aim of the Broken Nature theme, according to Ms Antonelli, is to give citizens a sense of what they can do, to make them realise they are part of a complex system, and to encourage people to think about the world in the long-term. The Triennale di Milano, as an exhibition of design, can contribute to this by fostering and showcasing innovative designs, and by extension, by helping visitors understand the issues at stake.

　　In line with the multifaceted vision and comprehensive approach that is deemed appropriate to challenge this subject, people from a range of different backgrounds were invited to discuss and exchange on different ideas and solutions. With four distinct round table sessions dedicated to Restorative Design, Magic Pragmatism, Complex Societies and Long-Term Attitudes, the symposium was an opportunity for scholars, experts, project leaders and artists to exchange and engage with the public on the concept of Broken Nature.

　　In conjunction with the online platform –brokennature.org– additional public symposiums will be held to further develop and expand on the theme through continuing exchange with citizens. Upcoming symposiums will take place in New York and during the opening week of the XXII Triennale di Milano.