Decibel offered its PORTAL exhibition at Milan’s Salone del Cell 2025, that includes a 15-foot robotic arm that 3D printed furnishings items every day in a former SNIA manufacturing unit location. The exhibition was held in collaboration with Vizcom and Caracol at a brand new Alcova venue, the place guests might watch the printing course of unfold in opposition to a backdrop of commercial decay and overgrown vegetation. Ten chairs have been accomplished over the course of the occasion, every displayed on particular person pedestals inside the house.
The exhibition featured designs from eight designers and design studios, together with Karim Rashid, noknok, Philippe Bietenholz, Willo, Brett Akop, Andrew Schainker, Deniz Aktay, and collaborator Charles Birshaw. All items have been printed utilizing recycled supplies as a part of Decibel’s give attention to round design ideas. The chairs have been positioned all through the previous manufacturing unit house, creating what organizers described as a dialogue between the brand new furnishings items and the deteriorating industrial surroundings.
“PORTAL is about breaking down obstacles – between idea and creation, continents and collaborators,” says Adam Hecht, co-founder of Decibel. “With Vizcom and Caracol, we’re exhibiting what’s potential when designers are empowered by entry to know-how.” Hecht emphasised that the corporate’s strategy facilities on constructing infrastructure for sustainable manufacturing moderately than simply facilitating particular person designs.
Decibel operates as a small group with out exterior funding, specializing in strategic partnerships throughout 4 key areas: designers, manufacturing companions, recycling and materials engineers, and business prospects. The corporate goals to create demand for sustainable merchandise by connecting designers with producers and selling using recycled supplies in additive manufacturing. The PORTAL exhibition represents a part of this broader technique to construct what Hecht calls “good methods that scale” in sustainable furnishings manufacturing.
Supply: design-milk.com
