Console designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Benetton stores in the 1970s, a refined example of their research on the relationship between structure, material, and construction.
The top is made of combined woods of different essences, selected to create a natural and calibrated chromatic alternation, which is not decorative for its own sake but emphasizes the linear design of the object.
The tonal variations, from honey to the deepest brown, create a dynamic yet controlled surface, typical of the Scarpa design sensitivity.
The perimeter edge is defined by a continuous profile in time-oxidized brass, a material that recurs in all the metallic elements of the structure, giving coherence and a warmer, more sophisticated character to the whole.
The base is composed of cylindrical solid wood legs in multiple essences, connected at the top by brass elements and reinforced by a system of visible diagonal brass tension rods, a structural solution that becomes a distinctive graphic feature of the design.
This system is not only technical, but builds a visual tension between the top and the structure, emphasizing the overall balance.
The result is an extremely measured object, where the quality of materials and the clarity of construction define an essential yet cultured aesthetic, perfectly representative of 1970s Italian design.
The console is in excellent vintage condition with minor signs of time and use that give it originality and character.
Product Name: Benetton Console by Afra and Tobia Scarpa
Designer: Afra and Tobia Scarpa
Year of Design: 1970s
Style: 1970s Italian design, essential and constructive, between architectural rigor and material research
Main Materials: Woods of different essences, oxidized brass, solid wood
Distinctive Design: Console designed for Benetton stores, an expression of the Scarpa research on the relationship between structure, material, and construction.
Dimensions: Length 128 cm | Depth 50 cm | Height 73 cm
Comfort: Not applicable; designed as a functional furniture element
Typical Use: Console for entryway or commercial space, also ideal as an accent piece in contemporary interiors and design collections
Design Icon: A refined example of Afra and Tobia Scarpa’s design language, where constructive clarity and material quality define the aesthetic
Versatility: Easily adaptable to different contexts, from residential to retail, thanks to its sober elegance and strong material character
Current Design Status: 1970s vintage production, representative of Italian design of the period and increasingly appreciated in the collectors’ market
Additional Notes: Please note that this item is in excellent vintage condition. Minor signs of age may be present, which do not affect its functionality. We kindly invite you to consider these characteristics before purchase.
Afra and Tobia Scarpa were two Italian designers renowned for their work in architecture and industrial design. Afra Bianchin Scarpa (1937–2011) and Tobia Scarpa (born 1935) worked together both professionally and personally, forming one of the most prolific and influential duos in the Italian design scene of the 20th century. They both graduated in architecture from the IUAV University of Venice, where they studied under influential figures such as Carlo Scarpa (Tobia’s brother) and Giuseppe Samonà. After their studies, they began working together in the studio of architect and designer Carlo Scarpa, where they refined their distinctive and sophisticated approach. Their collaboration led to the creation of numerous iconic furniture and interior design projects, characterized by timeless elegance and meticulous attention to detail. Their work was produced by internationally renowned companies such as B&B Italia, Cassina and Flos. Throughout their careers, Afra and Tobia Scarpa received numerous awards and recognitions, consolidating their status as pioneers of contemporary design. Their legacy continues to influence generations of designers and design enthusiasts worldwide.