At Milan Design Week 2026, YAPA renews its presence as one of the most recognizable elements of the nighttime experience of VOCLA / Design by Night, confirming the central role of its gastronomic project in shaping the identity of the format.
Within the Alcova circuit, VOCLA returns for its second edition inside one of the hangars of the former Ospedale Militare di Baggio, transformed into a hybrid environment where architecture, design, and social interaction converge, thanks to the artistic and architectural direction of Ugo Cacciatori and in collaboration with HENGE. A space that shifts identity between day and night, evolving from a platform for cultural exchange into an immersive club dedicated to contemporary design.
In this context, YAPA—led by chef Matteo Pancetti—takes center stage, curating both the cocktail bar and the food offering for the evening events. An intervention that goes beyond service, building a true gastronomic narrative aligned with the spirit of the project.
The name itself, “Yapa,” comes from the Quechua dialect and means “something extra”: a gesture of generosity typical of South American markets, where every purchase is accompanied by a small addition. This concept becomes the guiding principle of the VOCLA experience, where gastronomy and mixology are not merely offerings, but extensions of a broader narrative.
The proposal unfolds through a selection of signature cocktails and dishes conceived as part of a unified language, rooted in the chef’s personal journey. After years spent across Asia, South America, and the Mediterranean, Pancetti has developed a nomadic and identity-driven cuisine, shaped by cross-cultural influences, hands-on techniques, and ingredients that evoke diverse places and memories.
Across three invitation-only evenings, YAPA helped define the most experiential dimension of VOCLA, where music, conviviality, and research merged into an immersive environment. Enhancing the atmosphere were soundscapes by international artists such as Stra, Alex Neri, Yas Reven, and DJ Tree, transforming the space into a fully immersive sonic installation.
At the same time, the project opened to the public during daytime hours through the VOCLA Talks—afternoon conversations featuring international guests, including architect Bjarke Ingels—fostering dialogue between design, critical thinking, and contemporary culture.
Within this balance between public and nocturnal dimensions, YAPA stands out as one of the project’s most distinctive elements: not just a bar and kitchen, but a narrative device that adds depth to the overall experience. An approach that fully reflects the philosophy behind its name—offering something beyond the expected, and turning participation in Design Week into a sensory journey that transcends the boundaries of design.
