Where sound, shape, and surprise redefine the future of design

Their event, titled PLAY3D, isn’t just another exhibition—it’s a full-on sensory journey into the future of design, where technology, sustainability, and creativity converge in surprising and inspiring ways.

From April 7 to 13, PLAY3D transforms CoFactory into a vibrant playground of ideas. The theme—Sound, Shape, Surprise—sets the tone for a program that is anything but ordinary. Expect installations that vibrate with sound, objects brought to life through digital fabrication, and a lineup of performances and events that blur the line between design and emotion. Let’s explore some of the key highlights you won’t want to miss.

Designtech Originals: where sustainability meets digital craft

On April 7, Designtech launches its very own product line—Designtech Originals—a curated collection designed to be as sustainable as it is innovative. Under the creative direction of Furf, and with contributions from Ambroise Maggiar Studio and Puntozero, this new series of digitally native objects is more than a showcase—it’s a statement. Born from digital fabrication processes and rooted in sustainability-by-design, the collection offers a glimpse into how design can be both cutting-edge and conscious.

Rethinking design through AI and innovation

Technology takes center stage on April 8, with Plain, a panel dedicated to the impact of artificial intelligence in design and furniture. With the rise of AI-generated concepts and algorithm-driven creativity, this conversation promises to tackle the big questions: How do we collaborate with machines? What does authorship mean in the age of AI? And how do we maintain the human touch in an increasingly digital landscape?

Material futures and smart surfaces

Later in the week, on April 9, the spotlight turns to Strong by Form, a Chilean startup that’s reimagining wooden surfaces through industrial innovation. Their work explores how nature, structure, and sustainable materials can come together to create something truly new. It’s an example of how material design is evolving—quietly, powerfully—into a key frontier for innovation.

Product launches with a purpose

On April 10, the Aura System takes the stage with the official launch of Aurora, a next-gen air purifier that’s as elegant as it is functional. In an age where health, environment, and design are increasingly interconnected, Aurora is a perfect symbol of where design is heading: purposeful, aesthetic, and technologically refined.

Art that moves you—literally

Then comes April 11, when artist Stela Rustemaj takes over CoFactory with a series of interactive installations and live performances that redefine our visual and sensory expectations. It’s not just about seeing—her work invites you to feel, respond, and engage.

That same spirit continues throughout the week, with installations like Kindof Art, a collaboration with artist Kiah Celeste, exploring nomadic objects and upcycling, and the Ecodesign Pathway (April 8–12), a joint initiative with SustainMe and other sustainability-focused platforms that’s all about raising awareness on responsible production.

When the sun sets: music, culture, and design after dark

As night falls, the energy doesn’t fade—it transforms. Just steps from CoFactory, La Cattedrale becomes a hub of music, culture, and connection. Each evening from 6 PM, the PLAY3D vibe extends into a curated series of nighttime experiences, mixing electronic music, art, and performance in Milan’s most dynamic new creative district.

Expect everything from the reflective and poetic—like Pablo Trincia and Debora Campanella on opening night—to full-on party vibes with Ape Milano, Comunidad Autonoma x HiLife, and The ’90s Party, all the way through to a closing night celebration with Rollover Milano + Disco Stupenda on April 13. It’s not just nightlife—it’s a celebration of creative culture in its most joyful form.

A global gathering, powered by collaboration

PLAY3D is more than a local event—it’s a global meeting point. CoFactory will host delegations from China and Brazil, providing a unique opportunity for international exchange, and reinforcing Designtech’s mission to connect Milan’s design DNA with global innovation.

And none of this would be possible without a powerful network of partners. From household names like Red Bull, Peroni, and Chiarella, to forward-thinking SMEs like Wingamm, Microspot, and Boem, the PLAY3D ecosystem is a true collaboration between creativity, commerce, and culture.

Designtech: a vision for what’s next

At the center of it all is Designtech—a hub that lives and breathes innovation. With CoFactory, it has built a space where ideas can be prototyped, tested, and brought to life. From venture support and product development to sustainability and digital fabrication, Designtech represents a new kind of ecosystem—one where design, tech, and entrepreneurship converge. And PLAY3D is the perfect expression of that spirit. It’s not just about showcasing what’s possible—it’s about imagining what comes next.