Iconic Samara bench, designed by Derk Jan de Vries and produced by Maisa di Seveso around 1970, one of the most representative pieces of the rationalist and constructive design culture that characterized European design between the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Samara perfectly embodies the meeting between Nordic rigor and Brianza savoir-faire, resulting in an essential, cultivated and timeless object.
Crafted entirely in solid wood, the bench stands out for its structure that is solid yet visually light, constructed through pure volumes and extremely calibrated proportions.
The seat surface is composed of carefully crafted parallel slats, creating a refined interplay of solids and voids: a choice that is not only aesthetic but deeply functional, conceived to lighten the volume, improve structural resistance and emphasize the modular character of the project.
This horizontal rhythm recalls an almost architectural language, consistent with De Vries’ design vision, always attentive to the dialogue between structure, function and space.
The squared legs give the bench a stable presence firmly anchored to the ground, while chamfered edges and soft joints reveal a high level of craftsmanship, typical of the finest Maisa productions.
Every detail is resolved with precision and sobriety: there is nothing superfluous, nothing decorative, only form born from function and material.
Samara is conceived as a multifunctional seat: entrance bench, living room seating, element for contract spaces, galleries or public environments, but also a sculptural object capable of engaging with modernist, minimalist or brutalist interiors.
Its aesthetic is strong yet silent, authoritative without being invasive, making it extremely relevant even today.
This model emblemizes the philosophy of Maisa di Seveso, a company known for the quality of its materials, construction precision and cultivated approach to industrial design.
The Samara bench is not merely functional furniture, but a design object, expression of an era in which design was conceived to endure, to be used and to pass through time without losing meaning.
A historically significant piece, increasingly rare, today particularly appreciated by collectors, architects and interior designers for its authenticity, artisanal quality and ability to represent in a pure and coherent way the spirit of 1970s design.
Product Name: Samara Bench by Derk Jan de Vries for Maisa di Seveso, 1970
Designer: Derk Jan de Vries
Year of Design: 1970
Style: European constructive rationalism of the late 1960s and early 1970s; synthesis of Nordic rigor and Brianza craftsmanship
Main Materials: Solid wood; structure entirely made in full wood with parallel slatted seat
Distinctive Design: Solid yet visually light structure, built through pure volumes and extremely calibrated proportions. The slatted seat creates a refined rhythm of solids and voids, a functional and aesthetic choice that lightens the volume and reinforces the structure. Squared legs ensure stability, while chamfered edges and soft joints testify to the high craftsmanship typical of Maisa di Seveso. No superfluous decorative elements: form and function coincide in an architectural language coherent with De Vries’ vision.
Dimensions: Length: 100cm | Depth: 38cm | Height: 42cm
Comfort: Wide and stable seating; robust and well-proportioned structure; height and depth suitable for prolonged daily use
Typical Use: Entrance bench, living room seating, element for contract spaces, galleries or public environments; sculptural object in modernist, minimalist or brutalist interiors
Design Icon: Emblematic model of Maisa di Seveso’s production philosophy, known for material quality, construction precision and cultivated industrial design approach. Samara represents one of the most significant pieces of early 1970s European design culture.
Versatility: Multifunctional seating capable of dialoguing with both contemporary and historical contexts; strong yet silent presence, authoritative without being invasive
Current Condition: Excellent overall condition; any minor signs of age consistent with time do not affect stability or structural integrity
Additional Notes: Please note that this object 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 purchasing.