Tobia Scarpa

Tobia Scarpa, born in Venice in 1935 and son of renowned architect Carlo Scarpa, studied architecture at the IUAV in Venice, where he met Afra Bianchin, who would become both his wife and professional partner. After graduating in 1957, they married and began a successful collaboration.

Their first design, the Pigreco chair, was created during a university course led by Franco Albini in 1959 and was produced by Gavina, later acquired by Knoll. The chair, now reissued in a limited edition by Tacchini, features an innovative triangular design with two rear legs merging into a single support. Other notable works include the Poltroncina 925 for Cassina, exhibited at MoMA in New York, and the Libertà chair for Meritalia, displayed in the Contemporary Art section of the Louvre. Afra and Tobia Scarpa also designed the iconic Soriana armchair for Cassina, which won the Compasso d'Oro in 1970.

Between 1962 and 1975, the pair designed several lighting pieces for Flos, including Fantasma, Foglio, Biagio, Pierrot, Ariette, and Papillona. Their 1966 creation, the Coronado sofa for B&B Italia, remains an enduring symbol of comfort and relaxation.