Vertical Connection Portanuova
An immersive installation redefining the relationship between architecture, urban space, and technology.

During Fuorisalone 2025, the Portanuova district will be transformed into an immersive experience with Portanuova Vertical Connection, a site-specific installation created in collaboration with Fuorisalone and Brera Design District. This project embodies the deeper meaning of the city of the future.

Perfectly aligned with the theme of Fuorisalone 2025, “Mondi Connessi”, the installation demonstrates how design can serve as a bridge between physical and digital dimensions, between people and the environment, and between the present and the future. Designed by the Evastomper studio in collaboration with Fuorisalone and Brera Design District, and curated by renowned neurobiologist and botany expert Professor Stefano Mancuso, the installation takes shape as a modular layher structure. Fully walkable and accessible at different heights, it offers a journey between architecture and nature, where vegetation becomes a fundamental element in expressing the concept of sustainable urban regeneration.

Artificial intelligence is the beating heart of the experience: through an interactive console, visitors can shape the content displayed on the video walls by selecting a series of keywords and inputs – such as places, colors, and sensations – that transform into images, sounds, and lights, generating a unique and personalized video. AI technology enhances spatial perception, turning each interaction into a creative and participatory act.

From April 7 to 13, between 10 AM and 9 PM, visitors will have the opportunity to access this “new temporary space” by booking the free experience through the Portanuova Milano App. Portanuova Vertical Connection embodies a zero-impact design philosophy: the structure is modular and flexible, with each individual component regenerated and reusable, eliminating waste and reducing ecological impact. This model of modern and sustainable architecture seamlessly integrates into the urban environment without leaving a trace.

The project features the participation of ERSAF Lombardia, an organization dedicated to the protection of forested areas in the region. The Regional Forestry Nursery, located in Curno (BG), specializes in the production of native forest plants sourced locally. Their work involves seed collection and conservation, plant cultivation, and distribution. Visitors to the installation will have the opportunity to take home a complimentary seedling, accompanied by an exclusive illustration by Professor Stefano Mancuso. This artwork highlights, in both words and numbers, the tangible impact each of us can have on the environment by adopting and nurturing a plant.

HW Style, a long-standing partner in the care and maintenance of Portanuova’s green spaces, provides the plants that adorn the entire structure, creating a lush and vibrant atmosphere. The installation will feature over 500 plants, contributing to a natural and elegant design. The selection includes some of the most well-known climbing, cascading, and flowering species. At the end of the event, all the plants used in the installation will be donated to Isola Pepe Verde, where they will continue to enrich the environment and urban spaces of the city – an act of giving back to the community.

Among the partner brands is Ecoalf, a sustainable lifestyle brand founded in 2009 with the vision of halting the careless exploitation of natural resources to preserve them for future generations. Through its campaign “From the Seed to Your T-Shirt,” Ecoalf is actively engaged in soil regeneration and creating a positive human impact. This initiative goes beyond fashion – it is a real challenge to redefine the relationship between humans and the planet, fostering soil recovery and restoring nature’s balance.

A dedicated video showcases the project carried out in Ahmedabad, India, offering visitors insight into the regeneration process and a close-up view of the fruits produced from regenerative cotton seeds. To date, the project has enabled Ecoalf to regenerate over 50,000 square meters of land, collaborating with 4,000 farmers.

The event week will feature public entertainment moments. On Tuesday, April 8, Wednesday, April 9, and Thursday, April 10, visitors who book a tour of Portanuova Vertical Connection between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM will receive a complimentary drink at Pandenus. The experience will be further enhanced by the sounds of DJ Kharfi, Broberri, and Ale Rossi, who will take turns behind the decks, creating a lively and engaging aperitivo atmosphere.

Beyond hosting Vertical Connection, Portanuova will welcome a selection of brands and designers that will transform the district into a dynamic, open-air exhibition space: AEG, Kérastase, Andreu World, Volvo Studio with Ramak, Novamobili and gioiAtelier.

With its perfect blend of modern architecture and Milanese heritage, Portanuova solidifies its role as an epicenter of international design, reaffirming key values such as sustainability, social inclusion, and urban quality of life.

more. www.portanuova.com