The 8th edition of the Italian Design Day in Slovenia was once again held within the Big Architecture festival, taking place in Ljubljana on May 15 and 16, 2024. The event was part of the integrated promotion strategy coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Over time, the Big Architecture festival has become a key meeting point for architects, interior designers, and industry professionals in Southeast Europe. In addition to exhibition spaces, the event offers a rich program of conferences and networking initiatives. A significant part of the event is dedicated to awarding architects and designers from Southeast Europe, including Italy, in the Architecture and Interior Design categories.
For the Italian Design Day, the ICE Agency Office in Ljubljana, in collaboration with the Italian Cultural Institute and under the coordination of the Embassy of Italy in Slovenia, organized on May 15 the roundtable discussion "Beauty and Hospitality". Participants included Architect Francesco Scullica, the official "Italian Design Ambassador" for Slovenia, a professor of Industrial Design at the Polytechnic University of Milan and an expert in hospitality architecture and design. Also attending were Slovenian Architects Špela Leskovic and Aleš Košak, graduates of the University of Ljubljana’s Faculty of Architecture and founders of the Slovenian-based AKSL studio, which has completed projects across various European countries. The discussion was moderated by Architect Ana Gruden, affiliated with the University of Ljubljana, with experience in international specializations and a master's degree in cinematography.
The theme of the conference aligned perfectly with the official topic of the Italian Design Day 2024: “Creating Value: Inclusivity, Innovation, and Sustainability.” Professor Scullica's presentation explored the Italian approach to hospitality spaces, highlighting key aspects such as the relationship with local culture, the renovation of existing buildings, attention to detail, and sustainable urban regeneration.
Professor Scullica’s perspective is encapsulated in the concept of "The City of Care," which emphasizes how Italian traditions, rooted in humanitarian values and beauty, align with today’s needs for conservation and renewal of existing spaces. Italian design history serves as a model for sustainability, hospitality, and spatial regeneration.
During the two-day event, attendees could visit an exhibition curated by ICE Ljubljana titled Italian Design Exhibition, which included the 100 Vases of Italian Design showcase, provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in collaboration with Skira Editore.
The exhibition also featured a section highlighting artisanal furniture, showcasing the finest Italian craftsmanship. Thanks to a partnership between ICE Ljubljana and the Slovenian showroom Domize d.o.o., local industry players were invited to participate, allowing visitors to admire products from prestigious Italian brands such as Felis and Porada.
Despite a recent decline in Italian imports - following strong post-pandemic market performance - Slovenian consumers continue to appreciate Italian home design products. In 2023, Slovenia imported nearly €65 million worth of Italian furniture and lighting, confirming Italy as Slovenia’s second-largest supplier after Germany.
