Un viaggio nel tempo attraverso l’evoluzione estetica e tecnologica della radio, dall’era delle valvole ai dispositivi digitali contemporanei
In celebration of the 150th anniversary of Guglielmo Marconi’s birth and the 100th anniversary of the first public radio broadcast, the ADI Design Museum in Milan is hosting the exhibition “Radio Design: The Aesthetic Evolution of Radio Devices.” Running from 5 to 27 September 2024, this unprecedented exhibition highlights the evolution of radio not only as a communication tool but also as a symbol of modernity and aesthetic innovation. Over 50 models from the private collection of Davide Vercelli, the exhibition’s curator, tell the story of radio design from the early valve models to today’s digital devices.
The exhibition explores significant technological changes, such as the introduction of transistors and miniaturisation, as well as the materials used, from pioneering bakelite to modern technopolymers. The showcase also features iconic brands like Braun, Ducati, and Brionvega, alongside renowned designers such as the Castiglioni brothers, Zanuso, Le Corbusier, and Starck, who have all played key roles in shaping this sector. Through these objects, the exhibition also reflects on the sociocultural impact of radio, from its use as a propaganda tool to its role as a symbol of mass entertainment.
A parallel exhibition will be held in Bologna at the Fondazione Cirulli from 4 to 31 October 2024, extending this narrative to a broader audience and offering unique insights into the history of design and its societal impact.
This exhibition is a journey through time, exploring the relationship between technology and social changes through the language of design. It’s an unmissable event for design enthusiasts and those interested in the history of communication.
For more information, visit the websites of the ADI Design Museum and the Fondazione Cirulli.
