Lina Ghotmeh unveils pink labyrinth that "invites visitors to slow down"
Architect Lina Ghotmeh has filled the courtyard of Milan's Palazzo Litta with the Metamorphosis in Motion labyrinth, which is open to visitors during Milan design week.
The installation, which marks Ghotmeh's first site-specific solo outdoor work in Italy, references the existing geometry of the courtyard and draws attention to the palazzo's baroque heritage, the architect said.
"Conceived as a labyrinth, the installation invites visitors to slow down, encouraging moments of encounter, pause, and surprise," Ghotmeh told Dezeen.
"Curved geometries and rising volumes shift throughout the day, animated by natural light. Their soft tones frame the historic architecture, transforming the courtyard into a playful, immersive experience in constant motion."
Metamorphosis in Motion was commissioned for the annual MoscaPartners Variations exhibition and takes up the entire central courtyard of the palazzo.
Its eye-catching pink hue was chosen because of its association with care.
"In the very specific times we are living today, I wanted a colour that brings a certain softness, gentleness and warmth," Ghotmeh explained. "Pink hues are often associated with care, empathy, tenderness, all while signalling contemporary boldness."
While she is best known for her architecture, including her boat-like Bahrain Pavilion for Expo 2025 Osaka and an arched-brick workshop for leather brand Hermès, Ghotmeh also enjoys working on smaller-scale projects.
"Architecture, for me, operates across scales and timeframes," she said.
"Short-term projects become testing grounds for experimentation and quick iteration. Installations foster an immediate closeness with people, both in their experience and in their making," Ghotmeh continued.
"Designed and completed within three months, this project embodies that condensed process and I am happy that it will soon continue its life in a new setting."
The project is one of numerous installations taking place as part of this year's Milan design week, which has often come under criticism for its sheer size and the increasing prevalence of big brands.
But Ghotmeh sees the event as also being an opportunity to embrace connectivity.
"Although such events can sometimes feel intense, I see them as rare moments that bring people together," she said.
"They demonstrate how design and culture function as shared languages; capable of connecting us across backgrounds and perspectives. In that sense, they become an important vessel for collective experience today."
Ghotmeh chose to work with wood for the labyrinth, as the material is lightweight as well as easily mountable and reusable.
"The whole structure is meant to be reused and will find a second life," she said.
The photography is by Nathalie Krag, unless stated.
Metamorphosis in Motion takes place from 21 April to 26 April 2026 at Palazzo Litta, Corso Magenta 24, 20121 Milan, Italy. See Dezeen Events Guide for more architecture and design events around the world.
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