Origins of a Duo
Tobia Scarpa, son of renowned architect-designer Carlo Scarpa, had always felt the urge to differentiate his work from that of his father’s. Rather than creating buildings, he turned his focus on objects. Studying at the IUAV University of Venice, he met his lifelong partner, both in work and life, Afra Bianchin. It was during the course of Franco Albini that their collaboration started, which resulted in their first creation, the ‘Pigreco’ chair. Shortly after their graduation, the couple moved together to Afra’s hometown, Montebelluna, and opened their own design studio. It is here that our story starts.
“I make things as I know how, and I try to be simple, without arrogance.”
Tobia & Afra Scarpa’s design principles have always been about simplicity and comfort, stating: “I make things as I know how, and I try to be simple, without arrogance.” It is however on the technical and aesthetic possibilities of materials where their designs have stood out for pushing boundaries. To them, materials had a will of their own, one they had to understand in order to create.
This resulted in one of their most iconic designs, the ‘Soriana’ armchair, which received the Compasso d’Oro in 1970. The ‘Soriana’, manufactured by Cassina, was born out of experiments with expanded polyurethane, where the metal structure holds the foam in a tight grip without the need of additional support. This provided seating comfort like never experienced before, making the armchair an icon of comfort.
Material Thinking
The Scarpa’s collaborated with many manufacturers, from lighting brand Flos to B&B Italia. Designing various types of products urged the couple to take on new challenges every time, experimenting with various materials and techniques. This can be seen in some of their lamp designs for Flos, which later became some of the brand’s signature pieces. With ‘Papillona’, they combined aluminium and glass, whereas for ‘Biagio’, they sculpted it from marble. Tobia didn’t see himself as an ‘architect’ or a ‘designer’, but merely someone making objects. He saw creating as solving all the problems that arose during the creative process.Later, they also collaborated with the famous fashion house, Benetton, designing many of their factories. Using concrete, glass and light, they gave these spaces elegance and humanity, turning manufacturing into architecture.
The legacy of Tobia & Afra Scarpa lives on. Their designs continue to inspire and influence contemporary designers. Some of their pieces are still in production and featured in the collections of major institutions, including MoMA in New York. Their work remains a testament of the power of partnership and a deep understanding of materials.
"Tobia didn’t see himself as an ‘architect’ or a ‘designer’, but merely someone making objects."