Afra (1937-2011) & Tobia (n. 1935) Scarpa Biography
Afra Bianchin (Montebelluna, 1937 - Treviso, 2011) Tobia Scarpa (Venice, 1935) Afra Bianchin and her husband Tobia Scarpa (son of the famous architect Carlo) are among the most important Italian designers of the 20th century, who began collaborating during Franco Albini's furnishing course, with the project of the Pigreco armchair. Graduated from the IUAV of Venice in 1969, they collaborated in many projects, especially in the furniture sector, becoming exponents of a refined and elegant architecture in forms and materials. They participated in the foundation of the Flos company in 1960, creating new lamps for it. They had important commissions (Cassina, Fabian, Gavina, Stildomus) for the production of furniture, armchairs, sofas, including the Coronado armchairs, with the use of polyurethane. In 1970 they won the Compasso d'Oro and established a collaboration with the Benetton company, together with which they created the Paderno knitwear factory (1964), the Castrette di Villorba factories, the restoration of Villa Spineda in Venegazzù and many sales points. The Scarpas have also undertaken many restorations in the Veneto, combining innovative solutions with traditional construction techniques.
