As Milan Design Week wraps up, one installation stands out for its innovative approach to design and sustainability. Carlo Ratti Associati has teamed up with Mutti to create the House of Polpa, a temporary structure that reimagines the everyday experience of canned goods.
Transforming the Ordinary
Installed beneath the portico of the Università degli Studi di Milano, this immersive experience features approximately twenty thousand cans of Mutti tomato pulp. The design incorporates a steel substructure that allows for the cans to be stacked and removed without compromising stability, creating a dynamic environment for visitors to explore.
Sensory Engagement
The installation spans over 25 meters and goes beyond just visual appeal. It engages multiple senses through subtle cues of scent, texture, and sound, referencing the tomato supply chain in a unique way. The flooring, made from a Mapei resin derived from dried tomato peels, reinforces the project’s commitment to sustainability and circularity.
Participation Through Consumption
Designed to be ephemeral, the installation invites visitors to participate by removing a can of Mutti Polpa, turning the act into a form of consumption that extends the exhibit’s life into future meals. The remaining cans will be donated, showcasing how design can minimize waste by encouraging reuse.
Design with Purpose
The dispersal of the project is what makes it compelling, as each can removed contributes to a future pasta dinner, demonstrating a thoughtful approach to design that emphasizes sustainability. The House of Polpa serves as a reminder of how even the most ordinary items can be transformed into extraordinary experiences.
This article was produced by NeonPulse.today using human and AI-assisted editorial processes, based on publicly available information. Content may be edited for clarity and style.
