Transiessence: from the Salone Satellite Exhibition

Transiessence: work by NMU School of Art and Design Students from the Salone Satellite Exhibition

In April 2011, seventeen junior and senior Human-Centered Design students exhibited their prototypes in Milan, Italy as part of the prestigious Salone Satellite, an international exhibition of young, noteworthy designers. Northern Michigan University was invited to participate as one of seventeen design schools from around the world to exhibit their works to an audience of approximately 400,000 designers, architects, gallery owners, manufacturers and press. The themed project “Transiessence”, developed by Professor Peter Pless, challenged students to reconsider the definition of sustainability within the domestic context. The students involved were responsible for not only developing the concept and design, but also producing a show quality prototype that would be on display in Milan for six days. Aside from developing their own designs, the group collaborated throughout the winter semester to plan the layout of the 24′ x 12′ exhibition space, construct three large shipping crates, and design the graphics for promotional materials and a website. This special exhibition features the prototypes that were on display in Milan.