Feb 09 2012

NYIT Design Students Invited to Milan Furniture Fair

Old Westbury, N.Y.  (February 9, 2012)  ̶  NYIT’s School of Architecture and Design has been invited to the celebrated SaloneSatellite exhibition in Milan at one of the world’s most exclusive design and furniture fairs.

The NYIT team of nine students, alumni, and faculty is one of the few teams selected from around the world for the mid-April event at the Salone Internazionale del Moible di Milano (Milan Furniture Fair),the largest trade fair of its kind.  Last year, 329,000 people attended and the show’s 2,700 exhibitors included some of the most promising new and emerging designers. 

“This opportunity has really opened my eyes to realize that there is an entire world of design happening around me that I am going to see firsthand,” said Ashley Sarazen,  a second-year interior design student.

NYIT’s booth at the exhibition will include a prototype of a chaise lounge designed by fourth-year student Barbara Schoenenberger.  The booth also will highlight NYIT's architecture and design achievements, showcased in a multi-screen video display.  Students will distribute a special NYIT reflector with an interactive technological twist – a project that is currently in design by the team.

“The booth draws upon some emblematic icons of New York City for inspiration including fast-paced movement, energy, and graffiti,” said Martha Siegel, associate professor and chair of the Department of Interior Design.  “Our booth is really trying to show this interdisciplinary synergy and we’re going to do it by using technology.”

Team members said they are thrilled about the chance to take in the latest designs presented on the global stage.

"Knowing the current state-of-the-art technologies and innovations in furniture design is very important to an interior designer, and especially a student," said Liz Cuadrado, a third-year interior design student.  "To see these designs in person will make the experience so much more amazing knowing that they are coming from great thinkers all over the globe."