The birth of a platform dedicated to the environmental sustainability in design

Chicago, June 8th 2008 witnesses the opening of Elogico ‘eco-logical thinking… spaces and products for the next generation'. Elogico is a ‘container' combining events, panel discussions and exhibitions relating to the interface between design and ecological sustainability and responsibility In concurrence with NeoCon, one of the world's leading contract furniture trade fairs, Elogico presents participants with the vision, products and producers who have the wellbeing of the world at heart. The project brings together leading brands like Artemide, Casamania, Creazioni, Metalspot, Morelato, Moroso, Pagano, Parri, Valcucine and VG Newtrend. These companies, world leaders in the design industry and representing the best in Made in Italy show their commitment to the issue of sustainability by presenting their works in an exhibition specially curated by Elogico. The exhibition, is open to the public in the unique setting of the Chicago Illuminating Company building from June 9-12th. An exhibition ‘designed' to stimulate visitors into examining the world and the objects that surround them and the environmental issues involved in their creation, use and disposal.

Along with the exhibition, on the 8th of June at the Fullerton Hall of the Museum of the Art Institute, Elogico will present a round table discussion. An international line up, experts, institutions and designers including Karim Rashid, internationally acclaimed designer – USA; Gianni Cantarutti, expert in wood and wood products – Italy; Marco Steimberg from the Architecture Department of Harvard University – USA, Leo Breedveld, Life Cycle Assessment expert – Holland; Susan Inglis, from the Sustainable Furniture Council – USA; and Marco Bettiol representing Venice International University – Italy.

Each participant will present their vision of the issues relating to sustainability before engaging in a round table discussion chaired by Bruce Tharp, moderator from the prestigious School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

The discussion will address problems relating to raw materials, the lifecycle of a product; ‘sustainable' design approaches in industrial design and architecture. Not to be missed: the presentation of a Harvard case-study analyzing Italian kitchen manufacturer Valcucine, a company characterized by its dedication to environmental issues.