Vintage Italian Modular Sofa by Lomazzi, De Pas + D'urbino for BBB Italia, 1969

A rare Italian five-piece Carrera modular sofa designed in 1969 by Jonathan De Pas, Donato D’Urbino, and Paolo Lomazzi for BBB Italia, created during a period when Italian design was exploring furniture as an extension of architecture.

Composed of two curved corner sections and three central elements, the sofa is defined by its generous scale and continuous, flowing form. The modular construction allows the composition to stretch across a room with an effortless rhythm, while the curved ends soften its presence, encouraging gathering rather than directing it.

Restored by previous owners in a handsome woven brown upholstery, the piece balances warmth with clarity. Ribbed seat detailing introduces a subtle linear texture across the expansive surface, emphasizing the sofa's horizontal form while adding depth to its clean geometry. The rich upholstery complements the bold silhouette, allowing the design to retain its confidence without overpowering the space.

Its scale is what ultimately defines the experience of the piece. In a large living room, it establishes a natural place for conversation. Within an open-plan interior, it creates architecture without walls. Seen from every angle, the composition feels intentional, inviting movement around it as much as rest upon it.

Jonathan De Pas (1932-1991), Donato D’Urbino (1935-) and Paolo Lomazzi (1936-) are Italian designers who began working together in 1966. They are best known for their unconventional pop art designs, many of which are in the permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Centre Pompidou in Paris among others. Their most iconic pieces include the Joe Sofa, 1970 and the “Blow” armchair, 1969.