Architectural Cases

At the recent Milan Design Week 2026, three prominent architectural figures – Ma Yansong, Carlo Ratti, and Stefano Boeri – engaged in a thought-provoking discussion at designboom’s “ROOM FOR DREAMS” event. Their dialogue centered on the evolving role of architecture, moving beyond conventional building practices towards a more visionary and proactive approach to urban development. The architects collectively underscored the importance of integrating advanced technology, profound human emotion, and ecological sustainability into the very fabric of future cities.

Architectural Visionaries Converge at Milan Design Week

On May 22, 2026, at Milan Design Week, architectural maestros Ma Yansong, Carlo Ratti, and Stefano Boeri shared a stage for the first time. Moderated by designboom’s Managing Editor Claire Brodka, the conversation took place within the immersive “ROOM FOR DREAMS” installation. Each architect, a leader in their respective fields of organic urbanism, smart-city technology, and urban forestry, presented their unique perspectives on how design can anticipate and mold the future rather than simply respond to the present.

Carlo Ratti, head of Carlo Ratti Associati and MIT’s Senseable City Lab, initiated the discussion by advocating for architecture as a data-driven projection of possibilities. He highlighted how technology facilitates a continuous feedback loop between urban inhabitants and their environment, enabling cities to adapt and evolve in real-time. He articulated that the future is not about static masterplans but about dynamic, evolving systems shaped by data. “We are moving toward a senseable architecture that reacts to our presence before we even realize we need it,” Ratti stated, underscoring the shift towards responsive design.

Ma Yansong, principal of MAD Architects and Guest Editor of Domus 2026, expanded on this by focusing on the emotional and spiritual dimensions of space. He posited that buildings should serve as conduits for the human spirit, reflecting and enriching our internal landscapes. Yansong emphasized that architecture must encapsulate cultural and emotional histories, transforming structures into “dream machines” that inspire inhabitants and preserve their capacity for imagination. He believes that without such a profound connection, people risk losing their ability to dream within their urban environments.

Stefano Boeri, founding partner of Stefano Boeri Architetti and pioneer of the “Bosco Verticale” concept, steered the discussion towards ecological imperative. He argued for the urgent need to reforest urban areas, envisioning cities as living forests where buildings actively contribute to the planet’s survival. Boeri stressed that biodiversity is not merely an aesthetic choice but a fundamental requirement for urban life, advocating for designs that integrate nature and respect the agency of non-human elements like plants, insects, and birds. He urged designers to project “green dreams” that align human aspirations with biological realities.

The architects universally agreed that the era of the “Master Architect” is giving way to that of the “Facilitator of Ecosystems.” They stressed the need for empathy in design, urging practitioners to consider the needs and trajectories of all co-inhabiting species. Yansong also touched upon the inherent “desire” of materials to revert to organic forms, suggesting that future architecture should allow materials to follow their natural inclinations, creating structures that feel organically shaped by environmental forces. This collaborative vision underlines a profound shift towards an architecture that is not only functional and beautiful but also deeply conscious of its environmental and social impact.

This illuminating discussion at Milan Design Week provided a powerful blueprint for the future of urban design. The insights shared by Ma Yansong, Carlo Ratti, and Stefano Boeri inspire a re-evaluation of how we conceive and construct our living environments. Their collective vision challenges architects to become dream-weavers and ecosystem facilitators, pushing the boundaries of traditional practice to create cities that are intelligent, emotionally resonant, and biologically rich. It encourages all stakeholders – from designers to city planners and residents – to embrace a more empathetic and forward-thinking approach, ensuring that our urban landscapes not only serve humanity but also thrive in harmony with the natural world.

Experience the Future of Light: A-N-D's Innovative Copenhagen Space

The Genesis of a Vision: From Vancouver to Copenhagen

After more than a decade of meticulous development, A-N-D, a lighting enterprise from Vancouver, is establishing its first permanent outpost beyond Canadian borders. This significant step involves taking over a heritage building in Copenhagen, a structure with a rich past as a printing press. The new showroom, spanning three floors, is envisioned to host diverse functions, all unified by a core design principle that prioritizes iterative progress over mere repetition.

Unveiling A-N-D's Distinctive Design Ethos

During a revealing discussion, Lukas Peet, one of the co-founders, articulated the brand's journey of refinement and its deliberate, unhurried growth over fourteen years. He shared insights into the Copenhagen building, poised to transition from a historical paper factory into a beacon of modern lighting. Peet's presentation, enriched by visual renderings, brought to life the brand's aesthetic: a sophisticated blend of color, generous proportions, and a considered, rather than trendy, dark palette. The substantial feel of the products, unexpected from photographs, speaks to a unique Canadian design identity. The showroom's grand opening in June, coinciding with Copenhagen's '3 Days of Design', is highly anticipated.

The Collective Brilliance Behind A-N-D

A-N-D was established in Vancouver fourteen years ago by three individuals, Lukas Peet, Caine Heintzman, and Matt Davis, who, despite their varied backgrounds in lighting, shared a common objective. Peet, an alumnus of Design Academy Eindhoven and a recipient of Canada's Emerging Designer Award, brought an insatiable curiosity for materials, objects, and production processes, challenging conventional norms. Heintzman, educated at ECUAD and Kunsthochschule Berlin Weißensee, contributed a rigorous approach to material research and a sculptural sensitivity, focusing on modularity that reveals industrial elegance. Davis, with over ten years of senior business experience in lighting, provided strategic clarity and cohesion to the trio's vision. Their approach is characterized by a profound respect for existing forms, rather than a pursuit of mere competence.

Innovation Through Iteration: A-N-D's Creative Process

In practice, A-N-D's collections demonstrate a rich diversity in materials, scales, and techniques. There is no predetermined aesthetic formula or repeated design gesture; instead, a consistent methodology guides their work: prioritizing LED technology, driven by functionality, and meticulously refined to its core essence. This commitment involves a continuous, sometimes costly, pursuit of the optimal solution for every design challenge. Peet firmly states his disinterest in creating anything that already exists.

The "Pebble" Story: A Testament to Unwavering Quality

This principle comes with inherent challenges, which A-N-D openly acknowledges. Peet prefers to describe their development process as a methodical journey of slow growth and constant iteration, where each product informs the next. The "Pebble" pendant, a sculptural glass piece first unveiled at Euroluce 2019, exemplifies this journey. Initially handmade, the variation in artisanal production proved too broad for A-N-D's strict adherence to photographic accuracy—what clients see is precisely what they get. This led to years of development across different countries and manufacturers, ensuring consistent reproduction from a mold. A refined version of the "Pebble" will be showcased in Copenhagen, embodying Peet's conviction that design is an ongoing dialogue, not a series of compromises.

The Showroom as a Dynamic Instrument

The showroom itself occupies a protected historical building—a former paper printing facility nestled within a Copenhagen courtyard. Its high ceilings, expansive industrial windows, and a classic exterior staircase leading to the entrance all contribute to its distinctive character. Renderings suggest a vibrant atmosphere during future events, with music potentially wafting from the upper floors. The recurring theme is "refinement." The showroom is not merely a decorative space but a meticulously designed instrument, intended to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the products. The ground floor houses the Showroom Gallery, where the latest collections are displayed with an almost austere clarity.

A Symbiotic Relationship: Canada and Scandinavia in Design

On display are Caine Heintzman's "Pace" series and Peet's "Tier." The "Contour" and the refined "Pebble" are featured on an impressive five-meter-long table. Further back, the "Column," now with boundless extension capabilities, and Heintzman's original "Pipeline" design, newly revised, command attention. Furniture by Vancouver craftsman Christian Woo, a close associate, provides scale without overshadowing the lighting fixtures. Large-format LED lightboxes along the walls showcase brand photography, creating an environment that balances art and functional explanation. The immediate and singular message conveyed upon entry is clear: this is a dedicated lighting company.

The Technical Lab: Illuminating Precision and Confidence

Venturing into the basement reveals the Technical Lab, a space where precision and detail take center stage. The historical flooring has been preserved, influencing the design. All illumination within this area emanates from wall-mounted fixtures and illuminated sample racks centrally located. Dimmers and switches provide a fully controlled, daylight-free environment, allowing for detailed examination of finishes, modularity, and installation specifics. Finish swatches, prototypes, and process objects are available for scrutiny. Peet explains that the basement's primary purpose is not to impress, but to foster understanding and confidence in clients regarding their orders.

The Café A-N-D Bar: A Space for Contemplation and Connection

The second floor hosts the Café A-N-D Bar, an extension of an activation format A-N-D previously initiated. La Marzocco, the renowned Italian manufacturer of high-end espresso machines, is once again a partner. A central column installation featuring sound and adjustable dimming levels creates a contemplative ambiance. Peet playfully likens it to a church before promptly correcting himself, highlighting its function as a tranquil space for coffee, light, and carefully curated music.

Copenhagen: A Strategic and Cultural Alignment

The decision to open in Copenhagen was driven by both practical and less tangible factors. A reliable local partner, Ken, a Dane, streamlined logistics, including import structures, warehousing, and time zone considerations. More subtly, Peet notes a natural affinity between Canada and Scandinavia, characterized by a shared appreciation for quality and a similar understated approach to design. The annual rhythm of '3 Days of Design' in Copenhagen, in contrast to Euroluce's biennial schedule, is also strategically important for a brand that prioritizes organic growth. Since 2018, A-N-D has been diligently cultivating the European market—through engagements in Milan, London, Paris, and Copenhagen—building its presence incrementally. The new showroom represents a logical progression and a clear signal of their enduring commitment to the region, providing a physical space for clients to engage directly with critical questions about modularity, finishes, and real-world installation aesthetics.

The Anticipation of Dialogue and Discovery

What the three founders most eagerly await during '3 Days of Design' is not quantitative success, but rather the qualitative reactions and inquiries from visitors. Peet emphasizes that when someone enters and asks, "Where are you from? What is this?" that is precisely when meaningful conversations begin. For A-N-D, such dialogues are the very foundation of their work. We are already curious, and anticipate many more questions once we experience it firsthand.