The Italian Design Day 2025 was held in Ho Chi Minh City on March 28, organized by the Consulate General of Italy, the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), and the VDAS Design Association. The event further strengthened connections between Italian and Vietnamese design communities.
Italian Design Day, initiated in 2017 by Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, brings together designers, architects, experts, and businesses to discuss the role and value of design in fields like architectural preservation, urban planning, and sustainability.
This year’s theme was “Inequalities: Design for a Better Life,” featuring discussions with Italian and Vietnamese architects exploring how design can improve quality of life and bridge social inequalities.
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Fabio De Cillis, Director of the Italian Trade Agency. Photo courtesy of ITA |
Fabio De Cillis, Director of the Italian Trade Agency in Ho Chi Minh City, emphasized that Italian Design Day aims to encourage thoughtful design solutions that contribute to social equity.
“When a society pursues rapid growth and prioritizes economic expansion, it inevitably leaves some people behind. This is a consequence of the ‘me, now’ mindset, which often overlooks the value of ‘us, tomorrow'”, Fabio noted. “We cannot build a sustainable future if only a few benefit from progress while others are left behind.”
He added that inequality involves more than economic disparities, extending to differences in access to spaces, infrastructure, and public services. Thus, design becomes crucial in creating equitable opportunities for all communities.
Design decisions—from buildings to furniture—can either contribute to inequality or help reduce it. A space can either separate or unite communities, depending on the approach of its creator.
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The Italian Design Day 2025 event brings together over 100 architects, designers, experts, and industry representatives. Photo courtesy of ITA |
Inspiring creativity and sustainability
Italy, renowned for its rich history and architecture, considers design essential to balanced growth. In cities like Milan and Rome, modern structures coexist alongside historic buildings without compromising cultural heritage.
“Urbanization does not mean erasing the past to follow new trends,” said Fabio. “In Italy, we strive for development where heritage can coexist with modernity, shaping urban identities.”
He noted these values are relevant to Vietnam as it experiences rapid urbanization, facing important decisions about sustainable development. While contexts vary, the guiding principle remains consistent: creating environments that offer fair opportunities to everyone.
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Speakers explore the theme “Inequalities: Design for a Better Life,” covering various aspects from urban planning and public spaces to community connectivity. Photo courtesy of ITA |
Connecting Vietnamese and global design
Over the years, Italian Design Day has significantly influenced Vietnam’s design and architecture community.
“Based on the global theme, the Embassy of Italy, the Italian Trade Agency, and the Consulate General of Italy in Ho Chi Minh City aim to tailor the event’s content to reflect relevant local issues,” said Fabio.
In 2024, the event focused on restoring historical and contemporary architecture, an essential topic for Vietnam, where rapid modernization can overshadow heritage values. This year, the focus on inequalities addressed a pressing global issue, highlighting design’s potential to reduce gaps.
A primary goal of Italian Design Day is to connect Vietnamese designers with global design trends through discussions, academic exchanges, and business networking opportunities.
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Fabio De Cillis, Director of the Italian Trade Agency in Ho Chi Minh City, delivers a speech at the Italian Design Day 2025 event held in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo courtesy of ITA |
Initiatives include linking Vietnamese designers and businesses to Salone del Mobile di Milano, the world’s largest furniture design fair, and enabling participation in Italy’s leading trade events such as CERSAIE (International Ceramic Fair in Bologna) and MARMOMACC (Marble Exhibition in Verona).
These events help Vietnamese businesses stay updated with global trends and foster collaborations with leading international brands.
Fabio De Cillis noted, “As business connections between our countries grow, Italian design can inspire and support the development of Vietnam’s design and interior industries.”
Italian Design Day 2025 provided opportunities for knowledge exchange, networking, and creativity. The event emphasized design as more than art or functionality—it is a practical approach to addressing societal challenges and building a better world.
