Anfibio Sofa Bed in Leather by Alessandro Becchi for Giovannetti, 1970s

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Alessandro Becchi (1946–1987) was a pivotal figure in Italian Radical Design, best known for blurring the lines between furniture, play, … Read more Alessandro Becchi (1946–1987) was a pivotal figure in Italian Radical Design, best known for blurring the lines between furniture, play, and sculpture. He is the mind behind some of the most iconic "transformable" pieces of the 1970s.
The Masterpiece: "Anfibio" (1971)
His most famous creation is the Anfibio Sofa, designed for Giovannetti Collezioni.
The Concept: Named after the "amphibious" ability to live in two worlds, it is a massive, plush leather or fabric nest that unbuckles and unfolds to become a soft, oversized bed.
Museum Icon: It was selected for the landmark 1972 MoMA exhibition "Italy: The New Domestic Landscape" and remains in the permanent collection of the MoMA (New York), the Victoria & Albert Museum (London), and the Vitra Design Museum.
Design Philosophy: It rejected the rigid, structural "boxy" sofas of the past in favor of soft, organic forms that invited users to lounge, roll, and interact.
Notable Works & Collaborations
Becchi spent the majority of his career collaborating with Benito Giovannetti, creating a series of products that prioritized versatility.
Legacy and Style
Becchi’s work is characterized by "Ludic Design"—design that is playful and non-serious. He believed furniture should not just be a static object but a "soft environment." Unfortunately, his career was cut short when he passed away prematurely in 1987 at the age of 41.


The Anfibio is more than just a piece of furniture; it is a "design object-environment" that redefined domestic space in the 1970s. Designed by Alessandro Becchi in 1970 (and produced starting in 1971), it remains the crown jewel of the Italian brand Giovannetti Collezioni.
Here is a breakdown of why this specific design is so significant:
The "Amphibious" Concept
The name Anfibio (Italian for "Amphibian") refers to its dual nature. It was inspired by the shape of a life raft.
As a Sofa: It features a massive, voluptuous perimeter "bolster" that acts as both the backrest and armrests.
As a Bed: By unhooking the heavy leather straps on the sides, the "nest" unfolds. The internal mattress (often lined with soft sheepskin or wool) provides a sprawling, low-profile sleeping surface.
Technical Specs
Becchi didn't just design a shape; he engineered a new way of sitting.
Materials: High-density undeformable polyurethane padding, acrylic thermal-bonded fibers, and a high-thickness mattress.
Dimensions:
Closed: ~240 cm wide, 100 cm deep, 70 cm high.
Open (Bed Mode): It creates a massive square-ish footprint, roughly 180 cm x 200 cm, making it one of the largest convertible beds on the market. This piece has an attribution mark,
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