Alessandro Becchi: Icon of Italian Furniture Design

In: Chair Design, Decorative & Applied Arts, Furniture Design, Furniture Designer
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Anfibio Sofa by Alessandro Becchi for Giovannetti, designed in 1971, featuring an orange leather, soft, and foldable structure that converts into a bed.
The Anfibio Sofa, designed by Alessandro Becchi for Giovannetti in 1971, is an iconic piece of Italian radical design. Its plush, foldable structure allows it to transform into a bed, offering comfort and versatility in a bold, sculptural form.

Alessandro Becchi (1946–1987) was an Italian designer known for his innovative and unconventional approach to furniture design. He is best recognized for his work with the Italian furniture brand Giovanetti, particularly for designing the Anfibio Sofa in 1971. This piece became an icon of Italian radical design. It blended functionality and playful aesthetics. Alessandro Becchi’s Italian furniture designs continue to inspire.

Key Aspects of Alessandro Becchi’s Design:

  1. Modular and Transformative Furniture: Becchi’s designs often featured multi-functional elements, allowing furniture to change forms for different uses. The Anfibio Sofa, for example, could be converted into a bed. This is characteristic of Alessandro Becchi’s Italian furniture designs.
  2. Italian Radical Design Influence: His work reflects the experimental spirit of 1970s Italian design. It challenged traditional forms and embraced bold, unconventional ideas.
  3. Collaboration with Giovanetti: Many of his most famous pieces were produced with Giovanetti, a brand specialising in Alessandro Becchi’s Italian furniture designs.
  4. Soft, Organic Forms: His designs featured rounded edges, plush surfaces, and inviting textures. This made them both aesthetically pleasing and comfortable.

The Anfibio Sofa: A Design Icon

In 1971, Becchi introduced the “Anfibio” sofa, a groundbreaking piece that epitomizes his design philosophy. This sofa is renowned for its versatility, transforming from a sleek seating arrangement into a comfortable bed. Its minimalist design is complemented by plush upholstery, often in rich leather or vibrant fabrics, and secured with distinctive leather straps. The Anfibio’s innovative approach to multifunctionality earned it a place in the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, featured in the 1972 exhibition “Italy: The New Domestic Landscape.”

Although Alessandro Becchi’s career was relatively short, his influence on modern furniture design remains strong. This is particularly evident in multi-functional, space-saving furniture. Alessandro Becchi Italian furniture designs are celebrated in design history. Some of his pieces are still highly sought after by collectors and design enthusiasts.

Sources

OpenAI. (2021). ChatGPT [Computer software]. Retrieved from https://openai.com

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