Afra Bianchin and Tobia Scarpa are celebrated Italian designers and architects, both known for their significant contributions to modern Italian design. Tobia Scarpa was born in Venice in 1935, and Afra Bianchin was born in Montebelluna in 1937. They both graduated in architecture from the Università Iuav di Venezia in 1957.
Early in their careers, Tobia worked as a glass designer at the Murano glassworks of Venini, while by 1960, the couple had established their own design studio in Montebelluna. They are renowned for blending traditional craftsmanship with modern design, and their work spans a range of disciplines including furniture, interior design, and architecture.
Over the years, they collaborated with several high-profile companies such as B&B Italia, Flos, and Knoll, creating iconic pieces like the Soriana armchair, which won the Compasso d'Oro award in 1970. Their designs are part of collections in major museums such as MoMA and the Louvre.
The Scarpas were deeply influenced by Tobia's father, Carlo Scarpa, another prominent architect and designer. Together, Afra and Tobia Scarpa made notable advancements in using new materials and technologies, such as the early adoption of halogen lighting in their Papillion lamp for Flos.
Afra Bianchin Scarpa passed away in 2011, but Tobia continues to influence the design world, including teaching roles at the Università Iuav di Venezia
