The Italy Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka hosts two key events placing Italian design at the center of the international stage. On September 5, the Compasso d’Oro International Award ceremony takes place, promoted by ADI in collaboration with the General Commissioner for Italy. Held in the Auditorium designed by Mario Cucinella Architects, the event confers 20 awards and 35 honorable mentions to projects – from across the globe – that best embody the Expo’s theme, Designing Future Society for Our Lives.
Koeda by Cappellini, design Nendo
The awarded projects are displayed inside the Italy Pavilion, highlighting the role of design as a tool for reflection on the three pillars defined by the World Expo: Saving Lives, Empowering Lives, Connecting Lives.
Setareh by Fontana Arte, design Francesco Librizzi
Loop by Fontana Arte, design Voon Wong & Benson Saw
From September 7 to 20, the Pavilion also hosts the SaloneSatellite Permanent Collection 1998–2025, showcasing 47 products selected among those that, first presented as prototypes at SaloneSatellite, went on to production thanks to collaborations with Italian companies.
Coassiale by Martinelli Luce, design Vittorio Venezia
The exhibition narrates more than twenty-five years of dialogue between emerging creativity and manufacturing, testifying to the success of SaloneSatellite as a model of cultural and industrial interaction. Curated by Marva Griffin Wilshire, it also underscores the contribution of Japanese designers who found in SaloneSatellite a platform for growth and recognition, emphasizing the enduring connection between Italy and Japan in design culture.
Kumo Collection by Studio Sano, design Takahide Sano
The simultaneity of these two initiatives within the Italy Pavilion demonstrates how design is not only a productive sector but also one of Italy’s most significant intellectual exports. It is a resource that generates value through the circulation of ideas, collaborative models, and shared visions, finding in Expo Osaka a privileged international stage for dialogue and exchange.
