Header: Courtesy of BMW Group Corporate Communications
At this year’s Salone del Mobile, BMW Group Design will be presenting the installation Vibrant Transitions at the historic Palazzo Borromeo d’Adda in central Milan. The project will explore how different elements—light, colour, material, geometry, sound, and digital interfaces—can be used to define spatial transitions and support brand-specific expressions across BMW and MINI.
The installation is organised as a sequence of zones connected by colour-accented corridors. The passages are lined with translucent lamella structures that partially frame the surrounding areas while allowing glimpses, giving visitors the chance to determine their own path through the space. Each zone focuses on a particular aspect of BMW Group’s design language, using a mix of physical and digital elements.
The main spatial concept is structured around the idea of transition—not only between physical spaces but also between material and digital design. Changes in lighting conditions, tactile finishes, and acoustic elements are used to shape the visitor’s experience as they move between areas.
Inside the palazzo, the BMW Panoramic iDrive is presented within an arcade constructed from layered materials, lighting, and sound elements. The space is designed to emphasise the interface’s customisable features and its integration with the interiors of future BMW models.
In the courtyard, the BMW X3 “Designer’s Choice” is shown as a study in surface treatment and material contrasts. The exterior finish, FROZEN TANZANITE BLUE, is a matte dark blue that reflects minimal light and highlights the car’s linear contours. Inside, rigid and soft materials are used to express a balanced sense of texture variation.
The MINI section of the installation is located in an outdoor zone called the Neon Garden City, where the MINI Cooper Electric and the fully electric BMW CE 02 are exhibited. The CE 02 features a custom colour palette developed by MINI Design for the event, which is based on green graphical elements and tailored textile choices. The vehicles are positioned to show how design elements such as colour and material can be used to build brand identities.
The project was developed by BMW Group Design in collaboration with Designworks, a subsidiary of the BMW Group, marking the first time the design team has presented a unified, cross-brand installation at Salone del Mobile.
