Rare Set of Three “Quaderna” Benches/Coffee Tables, 1st Edition by Superstudio

A rare and highly collectible set of three “Quaderna” benches or coffee tables, from the very first edition produced by Superstudio in Italy, circa 1972. Unlike later versions manufactured by Zanotta, these pieces represent the original production by the radical design collective itself, making them a significant piece of design history.

The Quaderna series was conceived by Superstudio—founded in Florence by Adolfo Natalini, Cristiano Toraldo di Francia, and the Frassinelli and Magris brothers—as part of their exploration of orthogonal grids and infinite spatial repetition. Emerging from their 1969 “Histogram” studies, the series sought to dissolve conventional furniture into a continuous architectural language.

Each piece in this set features the iconic white laminate with a precise black grid pattern, creating a seamless visual effect that challenges traditional design norms. Their rigorous geometric purity allows them to function as coffee tables, benches, or sculptural elements, blending effortlessly into both contemporary and vintage interiors.

This first-edition set is in remarkably good vintage condition, with only minor signs of age visible on one of the three pieces (highlighted in the photos). The structural integrity remains excellent, preserving the original design intent of Superstudio.