"Desk 'Spazio' by Studio BBPR for Olivetti with olive felt top, Italy, 1960s."

"Spazio" desk by Studio BBPR for Olivetti with olive felt top, Italy, 1960s. Designed in the 1960s by the Italian architectural collective Studio BBPR, this desk is a compact yet distinctive piece that combines thoughtful construction, striking colors, and a modernist spirit. The top is finished in olive green felt—soft to the touch and still in excellent condition. It slightly extends over the sloped front edge, giving the desk a gentle and purposeful stance. The body is finished in a swamp green tone that oscillates between mustard and moss—hard to define, but immediately appealing. The desk features two drawer units, each with three drawers—six in total. They slide easily and are equipped with small black handles that match the black details along the corners and base. These elements are sharp and well-defined, adding a subtle rhythm to the design. One of the most satisfying aspects of this piece is its material composition. Three distinct materials—metal, felt, and black plastic—are used clearly and deliberately. Each material has space to stand out: the tactile felt top, the structural metal legs, and the black plastic accents all contribute to the desk's balanced identity. It’s not subtle, and that’s precisely what makes it successful. The black metal legs are adjustable, allowing the desk to remain stable even on uneven floors. A thin metal edge runs along the back and sides of the top, originally intended to hold lamps, but now serves as a practical protection that has helped preserve the surface over time. Studio BBPR (Banfi, Belgiojoso, Peressutti, Rogers) were key figures in post-war Italian design. Their work often explored the intersection between function and expression—clearly visible in this well-composed and discreetly inventive desk. Dimensions. Width: 198 cm. Height: 77 cm.