Tobia Scarpa

Tobia Scarpa (born 1935) is an influential Venetian architect and designer whose work bridges modernist rigor and postmodern sensibility.

Son of the renowned architect Carlo Scarpa, he studied at the IUAV in Venice, where he met his lifelong collaborator Afra Bianchin Scarpa; together they created more than 400 designs across furniture, lighting, glass, architecture, and interiors.

Iconic Works

Scarpa’s most celebrated pieces include the Compasso d’Oro–winning Soriana sofa for Cassina (1970) and the sculptural Bastiano (also known as King Kong) sofa, both prized for their structural clarity and comfort.

He also produced refined seating, tables, and lighting for Flos, B&B Italia, Knoll, Gavina, and Molteni&C, often combining sumptuous materials with expert craftsmanship.

Legacy

Included in the permanent collections of MoMA, the Louvre, and the V&A, Scarpa’s work is celebrated for its timeless elegance and material intelligence, where Venetian heritage and modern living converge.