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.
Orchidea Side Table, Massimo Morozzi for Archizoom, Silver and Orange, 80s Italy
By Massimo Morozzi, Archizoom Associati
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
$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
Unusual, Unique Table in the Style of Ettore Sottsass, France, 1970/80s
By Mario Bellini, Ettore Sottsass
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
$1,764 / 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
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
$5,057 / set
H 11.82 in W 31.5 in D 16.54 in
Pair of Side Tables Kenthia by Ernesto Radaelli for Saporiti, Italy, 1970s
By Ernesto Radaelli, Saporiti
Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR
Pair of side end low coffee or cocktail tables model Kenthia in stainless steel and sheep style fabric, nice dry bar on one of the table by the designer Ernesto Radaelli for the manu...
Stainless Steel
$1,201 / item
H 28.5 in Dm 15 in
Verner Panton 'Barboy' Side Table and Storage Cabinet in Orange for Verpan
By Verpan, Verner Panton
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
Tavolo con ruote by Gae Aulenti for FontanaArte 80s
By Gae Aulenti, Fontana Arte
Located in Padova, IT
Gaetana Emilia Aulenti, known as Gae Aulenti (1927–2012), was one of the most influential and multifaceted figures in 20th-century Italian architecture and design. She was celebrated...
Metal
$1,058 / set
H 19.69 in W 14.97 in D 14.97 in
Pair of "Componibili" Side tables by Anna Castelli for Kartell, Italy 1970's
By Anna Castelli Ferrieri
Located in Trieste, IT
Anna Castelli Ferrieri, a pair of "Componibili" bedside tables/side tables, Kartell, Husqvarna, late 120th century. Italian Space Age period Modular Chest of drawers with square base...
Plastic
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
$7,890
H 20.47 in Dm 15.74 in
Italian Modern White Carrara Marble Side Tables, "Pale" by Massimo Mangiardi
By Massimo Mangiardi
Located in New York, NY
"Pale" Italian Mid-Century Modern style white Carrara side tables / end tables / gueridons, uniquely constructed in marble with two inter-stacked open frame parts that form the base with a circular marble-top. These are also available in black marquinia marble and custom pieces are available. Please note: These are Priced and Sold as Individual Pieces. Additional references; Angelo Mangiarotti, Skipper, Gip Ponti...
Marble, Carrara Marble
Coffee Table "Orchid" by Massimo Morozzi Archizoom, 1980s, Italy
By Massimo Morozzi, Archizoom Associati
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