TRACE I WAO

Artist-in-Residence Guesthouse – WAO, Milan

This project reimagines an existing space in Milan as a dynamic artist-in-residence guesthouse, designed to host creativity, collaboration, and exchange.

At the rear of the layout, three private rooms with en-suite bathrooms provide comfort and privacy for visiting artists. The heart of the project is the “smart wall”—a custom double-sided storage and display element. On one side, it integrates wardrobes for the private rooms, while on the other, it supports the co-working area with cabinets and exhibition surfaces. Finished in metal sheet, it allows artists to leave behind traces of their stay, writing or pinning ideas using magnets—turning presence into memory.

The shared workspace features a custom multifunctional furniture piece, a mobile unit adaptable as a sitting or standing table to meet different working needs throughout the day. Near the entrance, two movable amphitheater-style seating modules create a flexible gathering zone, ideal for group discussions, presentations, or collaborative sessions.

This project reflects WAO’s commitment to innovative spatial solutions that combine functionality with cultural value, offering a living and working environment where art and life intertwine seamlessly.