Alessandro Becchi: Icon of Italian Furniture Design

This article forms part of the Decorative and Applied Arts Encyclopedia, a master reference hub providing a structured overview of design history, materials, movements, and practitioners.

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. Most notably, he collaborated with the Italian furniture brand Giovanetti, where he designed the Anfibio Sofa in 1971. This piece quickly became an icon of Italian radical design, as it seamlessly blended functionality with playful aesthetics. As a result, Alessandro Becchi’s Italian furniture designs continue to inspire contemporary designers.

Key Aspects of Alessandro Becchi’s Design:

  1. Modular and Transformative Furniture: Becchi designed furniture with multi-functional elements, allowing pieces to change form for different uses. For example, the Anfibio Sofa converts into a bed, demonstrating the adaptability central to Alessandro Becchi’s Italian furniture designs.
  2. Italian Radical Design Influence: His work reflects the experimental spirit of 1970s Italian design. In particular, it challenges traditional forms and embraces bold, unconventional ideas.
  3. Collaboration with Giovanetti: Becchi produced many of his most recognised works with Giovanetti, a brand specialising in innovative upholstered furniture.
  4. Soft, Organic Forms: He favoured rounded edges, plush surfaces, and inviting textures. Consequently, his designs achieve both visual appeal and physical comfort.

The Anfibio Sofa: A Design Icon

n 1971, Becchi introduced the Anfibio sofa, a groundbreaking piece that clearly expresses his design philosophy. The sofa transforms from a sleek seating arrangement into a comfortable bed, highlighting its versatility. Its minimalist structure pairs with plush upholstery—often in rich leather or vibrant fabrics—and distinctive leather straps. Importantly, the Museum of Modern Art recognised its significance by including it 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. In particular, designers continue to draw on his ideas in multi-functional and space-saving furniture. Today, collectors and design enthusiasts actively seek his work, recognising its lasting contribution to design history.

Sources

Ambasz, E. (Ed.). (1972). Italy: The new domestic landscape: Achievements and problems of Italian design. The Museum of Modern Art.

Bosoni, G. (2003). Italian design. Phaidon Press.

Celant, G. (1984). Radical Italian design 1965–1985. Rizzoli.

Dormer, P. (1993). Design since 1945. Thames & Hudson.

Fiell, C., & Fiell, P. (2012). Twentieth-century furniture design. Taschen.

Marcus, G. (1995). Furniture design. John Wiley & Sons.

Iittala Birds of Toikka glass birds arranged outdoors showcasing colourful Finnish glass design icons

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