Dezeen Magazine

Hay, Sonos and WeWork display living and work environments at Milanese palazzo

Milan's Palazzo Clerici has provided a dramatic setting for an exhibition by Hay, Sonos and WeWork, which juxtaposes contemporary furniture and products against the historic building's ornate details.

Hay x WeWork x Sonos Milan

The collaboration for this year's Milan design week sees Danish design brand Hay, co-working and office company WeWork, and sound specialist Sonos challenge the notions of "everyday living and working environments", through a series of installations across 1,500 square metres inside the palazzo.

Hay x WeWork x Sonos Milan

The exhibition occupies a portion of the neoclassical building's first floor, with multiple rooms set up to showcase new and existing products.

Hay x WeWork x Sonos Milan

At the top of a grand stone staircase, the first room offers variations on a typical workspace created using the New Order 2.0 frame system, designed for Hay by Stefan Diez.

The brand and designer used WeWork's member research from its network around the world when conceiving and developing the flexible system.

Hay x WeWork x Sonos Milan

"Working with WeWork and Stefan Diez has been a great privilege," said Hay founder Rolf Hay. "Their shared commitment to design and development has taken New Order to the next level of adaptability and flexibility in a crucial time of shifting work environments."

Hay x WeWork x Sonos Milan

As the exhibition unfolds across the spacious, high-ceilinged rooms, scenarios are set up to evoke activities including working, cooking, dining, studying and relaxing.

Pastel-coloured furniture, patterned textiles and contemporary are all displayed against the backdrop of decorative walls, flooring, doors, windows, and other features like gilded mirrors and extravagant chandeliers.

Hay x WeWork x Sonos Milan

Dotted throughout the exhibition are the colourful speakers launched by Hay and Sonos this month.

A sound installation by British artist Trevor Jackson, created to "reflect family life in specific living spaces throughout the home", plays from the devices.

New products by designers Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, GamFratesi, Shane Schneck and more are also presented across the building.

There is also a pop-up store on the first floor where visitors can buy the speakers, as well as accessories selected by Hay co-founder Mette Hay from the brand's range.

Hay x WeWork x Sonos Milan

In the palazzo courtyard below, programming includes talks and presentations by young designers, while seating is provided for visitors to take a break from city bustle.

Hay x WeWork x Sonos Milan

The exhibition is open at Palazzo Clerici, Via Clerici 5, for the duration of Milan design week – 17-22 April 2018. Keep up with Dezeen's ongoing coverage of the world's largest design event, and check out our guide to the week's must-see installations and exhibitions.

Photography is by Hay.

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Hay x WeWork x Sonos Milan
Hay x WeWork x Sonos Milan
Hay x WeWork x Sonos Milan
Hay x WeWork x Sonos Milan
Hay x WeWork x Sonos Milan