Design Manifesto

Design doesn't give up

The recent outbreak of COVID-19 on a worldwide scale is forcing the global economy to face a serious and unexpected phenomenon. The impact that the virus will have on the planet's economy is almost impossible to assess at the moment as it is influenced by several variables that are currently difficult to predict: the duration of the epidemic in our country, the extent of the remedial measures that will be taken and the spread of the virus in the rest of the world. At such a time of great uncertainty, initiatives to collaborate and safeguard the situation are developing even among those companies who are usually engaged in healthy competition but who know how to interpret the delicacy of the moment and feel a strong desire to federate their efforts in shared objectives. It is in this spirit that a group of companies in the furniture and design sector have established a new level of dialogue over recent weeks. An initial chat between a few individuals in just a few weeks has turned into a fervent digital round table involving some of the most important companies in the sector: Bisazza, B&B Italia, Boffi, Cappellini, Cassina, Flexform, Kartell, Giorgetti, Molteni, Poltrona Frau, Poliform. The group's first tangible result was a document drawn up two weeks ago to request a rent moratorium for all commercial properties that are currently closed. The companies proposed to reach an agreement that would reduce the cost of rent by 50% from April to December 2020. The request was immediately sent to all landlords of rented properties throughout the world and today constitutes an important tool and an effective basis for discussion. Today the main objective of the group, and of the entire sector, is to ensure that production will recommence soon.