100 Red Chairs

The courtyard of Cascina Spazio Vivo turns red with “100 Red Chairs”, a permanent installation created by EMU in collaboration with UpTown Milano. Launched in 2020, the project now stands as a symbol of inclusion, respect, and gender equality, showing how design can actively contribute to creating safe and welcoming public spaces.
The red chairs and tables, designed by EMU, are freely available to everyone, turning the area into a place for spontaneous gathering. Visitors are encouraged to move the chairs around to create their ideal setup, as long as they stay within the courtyard. More than just urban furniture, these pieces serve as tools for placemaking, fostering social interaction, sharing, and a sense of community.

The choice of red is deliberate—it recalls the symbol of the fight against violence towards women, carrying a message of awareness and civic engagement. The philosophy behind the initiative is simple yet powerful: a space that is lived in is a safer space. The installation invites citizens to actively participate in shaping a shared, vibrant, and inclusive urban environment.