LEICHT presented “Art is now” at Milan Design Week 2026 in the Orangery of the Poldi Pezzoli Museum, with a proposal that departs from the conventional exhibition format to construct a space where kitchen, architecture, and cultural context engage in direct dialogue. The project presents the kitchen as part of an integrated spatial experience, in which materiality, proportion, and light define the overall perception.
Architecture and context as a starting point
The project unfolds in the Orangery of the Poldi Pezzoli Museum, a luminous space steeped in history , where the architecture dictates the intervention. The proposal integrates seamlessly into this environment without imposing itself, establishing a direct relationship with the character of the place and its cultural significance.
The intervention is conceived as an extension of the building itself, adapting its design language to the scale and atmosphere of the space. The choice of materials, proportions, and composition responds to this logic of integration. The kitchen is incorporated as an architectural element , aligned with the surroundings, and not as an independent object.
This approach allows for the creation of a coherent and contained experience, where each element serves a specific purpose. The proposal avoids formal excess, focusing instead on the clarity of the whole. The space is conceived as a unified composition , where architecture and design develop in tandem.
The island as the central element of the space
A freestanding island acts as the central element of the design , organizing the space and defining its use within the Orangery. Its presence is notable for the precision of its proportions and its ability to structure the surroundings.
The island design incorporates a wide bar that introduces a social dimension to the space, encouraging interaction. This transition between functionality and conviviality redefines the role of the kitchen. The space is conceived as a place for connection , where use and experience unfold simultaneously.
The arrangement of the elements allows the kitchen to be perceived as more than just its functional purpose. The island becomes a meeting point that articulates the domestic space. The project transforms the kitchen into an active element of the home , capable of structuring daily life.
Rosso Lepanto and materiality as identity
Rosso Lepanto marble defines the material identity of the project , lending visual depth through its reddish hue and irregular veining. Its presence introduces a dynamic dimension that shifts with the light.
This material, originally from Liguria, has a long tradition in architecture and interior design. Its use in prestigious spaces reinforces its expressive and symbolic character. The choice of material connects history and contemporary design , integrating different layers of meaning into the overall design.
Beyond its aesthetic value, Rosso Lepanto acts as a structuring element of the project. Its application on the central island reinforces the coherence of the whole. The materiality becomes the narrative axis of the space , lending continuity and character to LEICHT's design.
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Founded in 1928 as a carpentry workshop by Alois and Josef Leicht , the company was acquired in 1975 by the Welle family of Paderborn . With Stefan Waldenmaier at the helm, LEICHT began a strategic reorientation at the beginning of the millennium, focusing on high-quality products distributed through qualified dealers and gaining visibility at international trade fairs and through its own showroom.
In 2014 , LEICHT opened the "LEICHT | WELT" in Waldstetten, a modern showroom that embodies the brand. Here, kitchen and living space concepts are presented in an environment that transcends the traditional exhibition, offering a comprehensive showcase of kitchen projects featuring materials, lighting, and accessories.
In 2019 , LEICHT opened the “Architekturwerkstatt” in Löhne , a premium kitchen showroom in collaboration with LIEBHERR, V-ZUG , and Inalco . With over 2000 m² of exhibition space, it was expanded in 2022 with an additional 1300 m² pavilion , reaching a total of 4000 m² dedicated to showcasing high-end design products.






