In a world where design constantly unfolds across time, what is the role of design in negotiating what we inherit and what we project?
The Polimi Design System (the School of Design, the Department of Design, and POLI.design) presents “INTERDEPENDENCE: past present future”, a set of initiatives to reflect on the temporal layers that define our identities, systems, and values through a selection of projects by design students.
We are living in a time of tension between nostalgia and innovation, tradition and disruption. To understand the complexity of our world, we must recognize that the past, present, and future are not isolated segments but interdependent forces. The past carries the knowledge and stories that serve as our foundation, while the present demands critical awareness and responsible action. Every choice we make as designers is shaped by what came before and influenced by the urgencies of today.
The recognition of this temporal interdependence fosters a design approach rooted in imagination, anticipation, and care. It underscores the importance of understanding how things endure, transform, or disappear to imagine worlds that are equitable, resilient, and meaningful. Design acts as a catalyst at the intersection of these three temporalities, possessing the potential to shape futures that foster or challenge our current world views.
The Polimi Design System organizes a widespread event taking place from 16–26 April 2026 for the Milan Design Week - Fuorisalone, with its main exhibition at Fabbrica del Vapore, alongside a constellation of other locations populating the city.
