The Milan Furniture Fair is an object lesson in controlled pandemonium. In April each year, the international design flock descends on the Lombardian capital, eager to feast on the latest releases from Italian and global manufacturers. Almost 380,000 people hit town – increasing the city’s population by some 25 per cent. There’s a tight schedule of launches, a chock-a-block roster of events, and a seemingly endless flow of prosecco to keep things merry.

Amid the feeding frenzy, Belgian architect Vincent Van Duysen exudes sangfroid. “Milan is one of the most exciting places in the world for design, but I try to remain grounded amidst all the noise. For me, design is all about calming the senses,” says the 62-year-old.