SolidNature and OMA/AMO unveiled the 'Il Sonno Supermarket' at Milan Design Week 2026, an installation that ingeniously redefines the conventional shopping experience. Housed within ME Milan Il Duca, the project transforms an ordinary market setting into a profound study of SolidNature's exquisite stone. The structure, characterized by its translucent polycarbonate and metal truss framework, immediately evokes a supermarket, yet every element—from shelves to individual products—is crafted from durable stone, embedding a sense of permanence into items typically associated with transience. This innovative approach encourages visitors to slow down and appreciate the intricate details of each stone-carved item, fostering a deeper connection with the materials and their inherent value.
The conceptual core of 'Il Sonno Supermarket' lies in its ability to challenge the ephemeral nature of modern consumption. Items like bottles, eggs, and packaged foods, meticulously sculpted from onyx, marble, and other natural stones, are instantly recognizable but reveal their true, immutable form upon closer inspection. This deliberate choice of material by SolidNature and OMA/AMO shifts the perceived value of these objects, emphasizing sustainability, longevity, and authenticity over the rapid cycles of mass production and consumption. David Mahyari of SolidNature highlights this reevaluation, stating that natural stone introduces a value rooted in enduring qualities, thus contrasting with systems driven by speed and disposability. The reflective surfaces along the installation's perimeter further enhance this contemplative atmosphere, drawing visitors into the display and creating a dialogue between movement and stillness.
The installation's title, 'Il Sonno Supermarket' (The Sleep Supermarket), alludes to a dream-like state, where familiar actions are suspended and transformed. Samir Bantal of AMO notes that shopping often involves an unthinking, reflexive behavior. Here, this reflex is deliberately arrested, turning products into fixed, sculptural gestures that prompt observation rather than mere acquisition. The ambient lighting and subtle sound design, mimicking a typical retail environment, further ground this surreal experience in a recognizable reality, while the stone medium pulls it into an entirely different dimension. This interplay between the mundane and the eternal offers a unique opportunity for introspection, allowing visitors to recognize objects and then realize their solidified, timeless nature, ultimately creating an impactful, thought-provoking experience at Milan Design Week.
This innovative exhibition showcases how art and design can intersect with everyday life, inviting us to reconsider our relationship with the objects around us. By elevating common goods to timeless sculptures, the installation inspires a deeper appreciation for craftsmanship, sustainability, and the enduring beauty of natural materials, fostering a more mindful approach to consumption and existence.