During the 2011 Salone del Mobile, the courtyard of MARNI’s Milan flagship boutique on via della Spiga will become a green parlour. Inspired by the Italian metropolis of yesteryear, plants traditional to Milan’s public parks and private gardens will become part of a special landscaping. Bushes and trees, medicinal and kitchen plants will gather in the city’s center creating a temporary garden. Unique furniture, small tables and chairs made of recycled bases, padded and then wrapped with long strips of pvc, will invite quite repose from today’s urban chaos.

Each evening during the Salone del Mobile, the courtyard will come alive with images of Lanterna Magica (Spring) created exclusively for MARNI by film artist, Sara Rossi. A projection of butterflies, water and blossoming trees captured during an explosive Milan springtime will alight on mulberry trees covered in sheer silk, on walls, floor and furniture. Background sounds from nature will heighten the experience of finding one’s self in a magical city garden.

 Following the Salone del Mobile, these plants will be donated to schools for educational projects and to green public space restoration in the city of Milan.