When Apricots Blossom
Exhibition design + visualization - Milan Design Week 2026
In collaboration with WHY Architecture
Lede
A two-week design development and visualization sprint for WHY Architecture's "Crafting Uzbekistan" exhibition — an immersive show commissioned by the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation and curated by architect Kulapat Yantrasast, founder and creative director of WHY Architecture.
The exhibition opens at Palazzo Citterio during Milan Design Week, April 2026, as part of the Biennale de l'Image en Mouvement and features newly commissioned works by twelve international designers working directly with Uzbek artisans.
Brief
Contracted by WHY Architecture to assist with design development and visualization for three exhibit zones within the Sterling Gallery space:
The Aral Sea installation — tracing the environmental history of the Aral Sea region and Karakalpakstan through spatial narrative and film
The 12 Designer Bread Vessel/stamp exhibition — twelve internationally commissioned works created in collaboration with Uzbek artisans
The Deconstructed Yurt pavilion — a structural reinterpretation of the traditional yurt form, sited in the courtyard of Palazzo Citterio
From napkin sketch to renders to real life…
Process
Deliverables were structured across a two-week sprint:
Iterative floor plans and site plans for all three zones
Full 3D models and press render sets for exhibit zone and renders for the pavilion exterior
All zones were developed for client approval within the sprint timeline, with renders serving as the primary communication tool between the design team and the exhibition commissioner.
Links
Official Sources
ACDF (Official Exhibition Page) — https://acdf.uz/milan2026
ACDF (Program Details) — https://nova.acdf.uz/en/news/uzbekistan-at-milan-design-week-2026
Design & Architecture Publications
Dezeen — Exhibition dedicated listing (Events Guide): https://www.dezeen.com/eventsguide/2026/04/when-apricots-blossom-acdf-milan-2026/
Dezeen — Feature article with video: https://www.dezeen.com/2026/04/15/when-apricots-blossom-uzbekistan-exhibition-kulapat-yantrasast-milan-design-week/
Dezeen — MDW 2026 highlights preview: https://www.dezeen.com/2026/04/15/milan-design-week-2026-highlights-preview-installations-exhibitions-2/
Dezeen — Earlier MDW highlights roundup: https://www.dezeen.com/2026/04/02/eighteen-unmissable-highlights-milan-design-week-2026/
Wallpaper* — What to see at MDW 2026: https://www.wallpaper.com/design-interiors/design-events/milan-design-week-2026-what-to-see
Wallpaper* — Live updates from MDW 2026: https://www.wallpaper.com/design-interiors/live/salone-del-mobile-2026
ArchDaily — MDW 2026 must-sees: https://www.archdaily.com/1040640/milan-design-week-2026-must-see-installations-exhibitions-and-events
Designboom — Ultimate MDW 2026 guide: https://www.designboom.com/design/designbooms-ultimate-guide-to-milan-design-week-2026/
Domus — MDW guide: https://www.domusweb.it/en/events/salone-del-mobile/2026/milan-design-week-how-it-works-guide.html
An Interior Mag — What to see at MDW 2026: https://aninteriormag.com/milan-design-week-2026/
Archiproducts — Fuorisalone 2026 guide: https://www.archiproducts.com/en/news/fuorisalone-dates-and-must-see-events-at-milan-design-week_109369
General Press
New York Times — Feature article (Apr 19, 2026): https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/19/arts/uzbekistan-milan-design-week.html
Gulf Today — Exhibition preview: https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2026/04/08/uzbekistans-apricots-will-blossom-during-milan-design-week-in-italy
Regional & Cultural Press
Times of Central Asia — In-depth feature: https://timesca.com/from-a-vanishing-sea-to-milans-spotlight-when-apricots-blossom-a-lost-sea-speaks/
Hube Magazine — Exhibition preview: https://hubemag.com/when-apricots-blossom-a-new-exhibition-celebrating-uzbekistan-at-milan-design-week
Humo Doc / Central Asia Magazine — News article: https://mag.humodoc.com/en/2026/04/02/news/news/milan-welcomes-the-when-apricots-blossom-exhibition
Social Media
Instagram (ACDF) — https://www.instagram.com/p/DWtETcqjWMG/
*Detailed process imagery and technical documentation available upon request.
Outcome
All exhibit zones received client approval. Fabrication documentation
was delivered within the sprint. The exhibition opens 20–26 April 2026
at Palazzo Citterio, Via Brera 12, Milan.
Credits
Commissioner: Gayane Umerova, Chairperson, Uzbekistan Art and Culture
Development Foundation (ACDF)
Curator: Kulapat Yantrasast, Architect, Founder and Creative Director,
WHY Architecture
Hypercube Creative role: Design development and visualization
Dates: 20–26 April 2026 | Palazzo Citterio, Via Brera 12, Milan