Upon entering the inner courtyard of Palazzo Litta during Milan Design Week 2025, my gaze was immediately drawn to an expansive surface of terracotta-coloured, sand-like material. An earthy ground layer that covered the square in a single, unbroken gesture. Above it hung a large banner, printed in both English and Korean: “Nobody owns the land / 땅은 누구의 소유도 아니다.” A powerful opening to an exhibition where materiality, trace, and connectedness took centre stage. No loud spectacle, no design as performance. Instead, a quiet installation where clay, memory, and the act of making played the leading roles.

Photo by Khai Islam

Milan Design Week 2025. Just 9 days before departure, my Airbnb host lets me know that the apartment I booked is no longer available due to renovations.“You could cancel it yourself — that way you won’t have to pay cancellation fees.”Excuse me... me?