Téma / rozhovor-orts
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Ricardo Orts
I've Fulfilled My Dream
The creator of this year's Škoda exhibition in Milan is Spanish architect and designer Ricardo Orts from the Ulises studio. In his work, he focuses on bridging the digital and physical worlds.
Between pixels and concrete
Spanish architect and digital artist Ricardo Orts has worked at several European studios, where he focused on architectural and design visualisation. In Valencia, he founded the Ulises studio (the Spanish equivalent of the name Odysseus from Greek mythology), specialising in the architecture of the near future, a poetic atmosphere, and a refined visual concept. R. Orts likes to maintain a naive view of the world and incorporates elements from various world cultures into his universe.
Topic
What do you like about collaborating with the Škoda brand?
I feel that the Škoda brand fits very naturally into my visual world. Its approach combines playfulness and accessibility with a strong, carefully thought-out design language. The balance between imagination and precision deeply resonates with my own work. I also appreciate the creative openness that characterises the brand — the freedom to look at things through "childlike eyes," where intuition and curiosity become the starting point for design.
How did you approach preparing the exhibition for Milan Design Week?
My first goal was to translate the global campaign for the Epiq into an installation that would preserve its spirit while precisely adapting to the unique environment. The beauty and historical character of the space became the starting point for an exhibition that brings playfulness and joy, while respectfully engaging with the architecture. The second challenge was to design something that would welcome visitors of all ages. I wanted the installation to be an experience rather than just an object to be observed. Spaces for sitting, playing, interacting and learning coexist as a single whole. The result is an environment that reflects the spirit of the Škoda brand — accessible, creative and progressive — while inviting people to explore.
I appreciate the freedom to look at things through 'a child's eyes'.
How did these ideas come about?
I studied the history and design principles of the Škoda brand. I was particularly interested in the deeper values behind it — a focus on accessibility, ingenuity and playful innovation. Then I looked for connections to my own visual language. I work with geometry, architectural references and graphic interpretations of space, so the challenge was to combine these elements with the brand's identity.
What does participating in Milan Design Week mean to you personally?
It's a dream come true. As an architect and artist, this opportunity allows me to connect the various dimensions of my practice — conceptual thinking, spatial design and visual storytelling — in a real-world setting where people can interact directly with the work.
Can you imagine designing cars?
It's a fascinating field where aesthetics, technology and innovation intersect in a very concrete way. What excites me most is the conceptual phase: imagining new possibilities, pushing formal boundaries and exploring how design can shape the relationship between people and mobility. At the same time, I'd like to learn more about the technical side of this process. Understanding how complex systems come together to create something functional and beautiful would be immensely enriching.
Take a look at how the exhibition was created for Milan Design Week.
