School of Architecture and Design Hosts New York Opening of Salone del Mobile

Pictured from left: ITA Trade Commissioner in Miami Carlo Angelo Bocchi, School of Architecture and Design Dean Maria Perbellini, Salone del Mobile President Maria Porro, Salone del Mobile General Manager Marco Sabetta, and ITA Trade Commissioner in New York and Executive Director for the U.S. Antonio Laspina at the afternoon presentation on the New York City campus.

On February 23, New York Tech’s School of Architecture and Design hosted the New York opening of Salone del Mobile.Milano 2023, the largest international furniture fair.

New York Tech President Hank Foley, Ph.D., and Maria Perbellini, Assoc. AIA, School of Architecture and Design dean, welcomed the morning assemblage of esteemed guests, faculty, and students at NYIT de Seversky Mansion on the Long Island campus. They spoke about the importance of promoting design and creativity in younger generations, as well as “made in Italy” design.

“The goal of today’s event is to promote design and creativity in younger generations, as well as ‘made in Italy’ designs, which are recognized globally,” said President Foley. “When I say that New York Tech likes to ‘reinvent the future,’ what better way to reinvent that than to visualize it by gathering the most prominent experts of Italian design? Congratulations to Dean Perbellini and her team—an amazing and talented group of faculty—on putting together such an inspiring event. And to the Italian Trade Agency, our partner in this event.”

Perbellini also gave the keynote address at the afternoon session of the event, held on the New York City campus.

“The fil rouge (theme) of today’s presentations is the celebration of the extraordinary ‘made in Italy’ journey in interior and product design, including furniture, lighting, home decor, appliances, outdoor, workspace, and many other products,” said Perbellini, who will also be a keynote speaker on March 9, 2023, at the annual Italian Design Day held at the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) headquarters in New York.

Pictured from left: School of Architecture and Design Professor and IDC Foundation Endowed Chair Alessandro Melis, ITA Trade Commissioner in Miami Carlo Angelo Bocchi, ITA Trade Commissioner in New York and Executive Director for the U.S. Antonio Laspina, Salone del Mobile International Press Director Marva Griffin, School of Architecture and Design Dean Maria Perbellini, Salone del Mobile President Maria Porro, New York Tech President Hank Foley, Consul General of Italy in New York Fabrizio di Michele, and Salone del Mobile General Manager Marco Sabetta at the gathering at NYIT de Seversky Mansion on the Long Island campus.

Presentations made throughout the day’s event were organized with the patronage of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and in partnership with the ITA’s Miami office.

Following the afternoon presentations, Alessandro Melis, Ph.D., School of Architecture and Design professor and inaugural Institute of Design and Construction (IDC) Foundation endowed chair, moderated a discussion with Salone del Mobile’s President Maria Porro, International Press Director Marva Griffin, and General Manager Marco Sabetta.

Additional distinguished guests included Consul General of Italy in New York Fabrizio di Michele; ITA Trade Commissioner in New York and Executive Director for the U.S. Antonio Laspina; and ITA Trade Commissioner in Miami Carlo Angelo Bocchi, who welcomed the afternoon crowd of more than 100 attendees.

This article was contributed by Maria Perbellini and Alessandro Melis.