Preparation Report Just Before the Start of Milano Design Week 2026
It’s been a year since we last returned to Palazzo Litta in Milan. This historic palace has stood in the same place for centuries, unchanged. We are deeply honored and grateful that our BASE TIMES kawaguchi exhibition is once again being held in this special venue.
We sincerely hope that, as in previous years, many visitors will join us and that this exhibition will lead to meaningful new encounters.
As last year, our exhibition takes place in the COPPER ROOM inside Palazzo Litta. Thanks to your support, the 2025 exhibition in this space was a great success. In 2026, we are proud to present an upgraded version of the “Kawaguch-air” series, enhanced with new installations and works that showcase the advanced metalworking techniques of the five BASE TIMES kawaguchi companies, combined with designs by Kazuhito Ishida.
I (Ishida) arrived on site in advance on the 14th to begin preparations—unpacking the works transported by air from their wooden crates and bringing them into the COPPER ROOM.
This year, due to the outbreak of an unfortunate war, transportation was significantly affected. In early March, we even received information suggesting that shipping might become impossible. As a result, production had to proceed at an accelerated pace. Being reunited with the works here in Milan, safely delivered before our eyes, brings both relief and joy.
However, there is little time to rest. Installation by local contractors has already begun. Will everything proceed according to the design? After all, this is Italy—things rarely go exactly as planned. Careful supervision and constant adjustments are essential to refine the quality of the space.
On the 16th, four additional team members joined us, completing a strong and reliable setup. This year’s key material is mesh. Curtain-like elements inspired by traditional Japanese misu—used in sacred architectural settings—are being installed with great care. The team’s precise and attentive work, built on strong mutual understanding, brings a sense of confidence.
Little by little, the installation is taking shape, and the space is coming together.
We will continue to share updates throughout the exhibition period. We are also posting on Instagram, so please take a look.
This year’s concept is “Transformation – ZEN METAL GARDEN.”
BASE TIMES kawaguchi embodies exceptional craftsmanship capable of transforming a single sheet of metal into countless forms—a true metamorphosis. This delicate and refined metalworking technique is expressed through an installation inspired by the aesthetics of Japanese Zen.
In addition, the “Kawaguch-air” chair collection, which was well received last year, incorporates a uniquely Japanese sensitivity to the subtle changes of nature. Reflections within the space are also embraced as part of the design itself.
The venue is Palazzo Litta, a historic palace in Milan. In this space—where the grandeur of Western architecture meets the precision of Japanese metal craftsmanship—visitors are invited into a new aesthetic experience.
Milano Design Week 2026 – BASE TIMES kawaguchi Exhibition Information
Dates: April 21 (Tue) – April 26 (Sun), 2026
Venue: MoscaPartners Variations at Palazzo Litta, Corso Magenta 24, Milan
Organizer: MoscaPartners Variations