In Porta Venezia, design only has a supporting role in a show that apparently wishes to avoid focusing solely on the art of design, even during Design Week. Sporadic attempts to set up a district system have come to nothing, whether due to location or perhaps a lack of grassroots motivation. By all appearances, the decision to hold events at small locations as few and far between as atolls in the Ocean discourages casual visits to the area but forces the more curious to carefully select their destinations. The Jannelli&Volpi and Manerba showrooms are still going strong; the fact that they share the same building makes for a worthwhile visit without any interim transit. Another event that stands out is the Doppia Firma 2018 project, showcasing collaborations between a varied range of designers and craftspeople as usual. The presence of Philippe Tabet, Serena Confalonieri and Studio Swine is certainly worth mentioning; back this year with smaller projects after their incredible success at last year’s Salone. Even the inauguration of the new Rainbow district, which is holding a Fiorucci exhibition, an exhibition at the Ibis Hotel (IBISPACE Design) and THESIGNSPEAKING POP-UP SHOP at Lazzaro Palazzi, doesn’t appear to have much changed the area’s appeal. It might be somewhat paradoxical, but the guided tours of the area’s incredibly Art Nouveau buildings might be the most valid reason to visit Porta Venezia this year.