For eight years, Italian architecture and design studio Archizoom Associati challenged modernism and aligned itself with what we now call Radical Design, an avant-garde art movement established largely in Florence that produced exuberant conceptual furnishings and objects that were neither practical nor very commercial. Through iconic works like the Sanremo floor lamp and the Mies lounge chair, Archizoom and other proponents of the movement protested functionalism and explored form, color and material in a way that countered the existing social order.
Founded in 1966 by University of Florence students Andrea Branzi, Gilberto Corretti, Massimo Morozzi and Paolo Deganello, Archizoom questioned mass consumerism and the validity of rapid postwar modernization in their native country. In their architecture initiatives, interiors, installations, furniture and more, Archizoom's members were pioneers of postmodernism — future Memphis Group cofounder Ettore Sottsass was also part of the Radical Design movement — and alongside likeminded collectives such as Superstudio, Ziggurat and UFO, Archizoom drew on Pop art, Minimalism and Arte Povera to expand upon the expressive potential of design. Branzi and his peers were also deeply influenced by the visionary work of London architecture collective Archigram — so much so that the group’s name is inclusive of Zoom, which is the name of a zine published by the British collective.
In Archizoom’s No-Stop City — an unbuilt architecture project — the urban area is stripped bare, a featureless monochromatic expanse that sees built structures meeting nothing more than the basic needs of human existence. The group’s Mies lounge chair — a tribute to early modernist architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe — was developed for Poltronova and hardly resembles a chair at all. It is not until one sits down that the detached bench seat combines with the backrest and becomes a full seat. The human body bonds the pieces together to make a chair that is surprisingly functional — and even compact.
The Radical Design movement is experiencing something of a renaissance, and Archizoom Associati’s works featured prominently in 2020’s “Radical: Italian Design 1965-1985” at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. The collective’s designs were given a global stage in the classic 1972 exhibition “Italy : The New Domestic Landscape” at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, but most of the groups associated with Radical Design dissolved by the mid-1970s. The Mies lounge chair is held in MoMA’s permanent collection.
Find vintage Archizoom Associati seating, lighting and tables on 1stDibs.
Coffee Table "Orchid" by Massimo Morozzi Archizoom, 1980s, Italy
By Archizoom Associati, Massimo Morozzi
Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR
Coffee low or cocktail table orchid or orchidea by Massimo Morozzi. Mordore and silver metal lacquered. Very interesting sculptural model. Quite rare and few edition in the 1980s. An...
Wood
Orchidea Side Table, Massimo Morozzi for Archizoom, Silver and Orange, 80s Italy
By Archizoom Associati, Massimo Morozzi
Located in Zagreb, HR
Eye-catching and rare vintage ‘Orchidea’ side table by architect and designer Massimo Morozzi for his own firm Archizoom (a part of the same movement as Superstudio and UFO at the ti...
Metal
Paolo Piva Style Coffee Table, 1980s
By Paolo Piva, B&B Italia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Architectural coffee table reminiscent of the famed "Alanda" coffee table by Paolo Piva. Each unit is L-shaped, with a clear plate glass top carried by a black enameled metal wire fr...
Metal
$1,170 / item
H 18.5 in Dm 13.8 in
AUREA Side Table, Silver Travertine Stone Round Side Table for Living Room Decor
Located in St Petersburg, US
‘Aurea’ Side Table by HAAND, crafted from premium silver travertine. This exquisite piece measures 13.8 inches in diameter and 18.5 inches in height, with a substantial weight of 80 lbs. The Aurea Side Table is a testament to superior design and craftsmanship, embodying HAAND’s commitment to quality. Its honed finish and exceptionally smooth surface give it a luxurious feel—like touching velvet. Its sleek, modern silhouette and natural stone finish make it a versatile addition to any living space. While it functions beautifully as a side table, its versatility extends beyond this. Use it as: 1. A Statement Piece: Place it in your living room to hold decorative items like vases, sculptures, or candles, enhancing your room’s aesthetic. 2. A Nightstand: Its sturdy design makes it perfect for a bedroom nightstand, providing ample space for a lamp, books, and a glass of water. 3. An Accent Table: Ideal for your office or hallway, where it can display art pieces, houseplants, or serve as a convenient spot for your keys and mail. 4. A Plant Stand: Elevate your indoor garden by using it as a stylish plant stand, showcasing your favorite plants in a unique way. 5. A Patio Table: Its robust construction allows it to be used outdoors, making it a great option for a patio or balcony table...
Stone, Travertine, Marble
Memphis Side Coffee Table Servomuto Castiglioni Zanotta, Italy 80s
By Zanotta, Achille Castiglioni
Located in Saarbruecken, DE
Mid-century side coffee table "Servomuto" designed by A. Castiglioni for Zanotta, Italy 1974. Signed. Artist customized with new finish.
Metal
Italian Vintage Green Marble Coffee Table, 1980s
Located in Hellouw, NL
Stunning green marble coffee table. The table consists of four elements that can be fitted together. The two triangular legs hold the lower t...
Marble
$1,765 / set
H 26.46 in W 18.12 in D 16.93 in
Pair of Shaker Style Cherry Wood Side Tables / Nightstands by De Padova, 80s
By ICF De Padova
Located in Roma, IT
We are pleased to offer for sale a pair of side tables with drawers, whose design is inspired by the celebrated Shaker movement, the most influential and visionary American utopian c...
Cherry, Plywood
Unusual, Unique Table in the Style of Ettore Sottsass, France, 1970/80s
By Ettore Sottsass, Mario Bellini
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An unusual, unique table in the style of Ettore Sottsass, France, 1970/80s. Black and white stone or marble base, four lacquered metal legs and a reddish / yellow marble or stone top...
Marble, Metal
1970s 80s Classical Pedestal Side Coffee Table
Located in Pasadena, TX
Coffee table with white ornate base and glass top. Traditional design with classical elements.
Glass, Resin
Italian Travertine Coffee Table, 1980s
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very nice and rare Italian coffee table, fabricated in the 80's. Two beautiful shaped plates on a very elegant base. The plates are rounded on the edge. This lovely table i...
Travertine
$1,201 / item
H 28.5 in Dm 15 in
Verner Panton 'Barboy' Side Table and Storage Cabinet in Orange for Verpan
By Verner Panton, Verpan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Verner Panton 'Barboy' side table and storage cabinet in orange for Verpan Verner Panton was one of Denmark's most legendary modern furniture and interior designers. His innovative ...
Chrome
VeniceM Urban Coffee Table in Brass and Metal by Massimo Tonetto
By Massimo Tonetto, VeniceM
Located in Mogliano Veneto, TV
Coffee table composed of light burnished brass structure and matte black perforated metal top.
Metal, Brass
Unique Side Table, Postmodern, 80s, Glass, Plaster Base, End Table
Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Unique Side Table, Postmodern, 80s, Glass, Plaster Base, End Table, Nightstand, Mid Century Vintage from the 1980s Measurements: 22.25" H x 24" D x 27" W Glass Height: 19.5" Conta...
Glass, Plaster
Italian Bamboo Coffee Table, 1980s
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Lovely coffee table, fabricated in Italy in the 80's. This very nice table is made of bamboo, the plate is of glass.
Bamboo, Glass