Franco Albini TL22 wooden desk by Poggi Pavia, Italy, 1950s

Desk with shaped top from the "TL 22" series, wooden structure, italian manufacture from the 1950s, crafted by Poggi and designed by Franco Albini.

This office desk stands out with its uniquely contoured wooden top, featuring a concave section that enhances usability and accessibility. The simplicity of its lines and its functionality may suggest it is a straightforward piece of office furniture, but its proportions, details, and overall aesthetic reveal its noble origins. The distinctive design by Franco Albini is evident. In the 1950s, Albini, an Italian architect, was already a prominent figure in architecture and urban planning. His work was widely recognized, as evidenced by his two "Compasso D'Oro" awards won in close succession. This period marks the peak of Albini's mature production, building on years of experience.

Albini remained true to Italian Rationalism throughout his career, believing in the avant-garde role of architecture in exploring new forms and expressions in constant dialogue with technology. These technologies were applied not only to building design but also to the creation of everyday objects and furniture. Albini prided himself on being a non-specialized designer with a humanistic approach, viewing architecture almost as a social science. He infused his personal vision into every aspect of his work.

In this context, the presented desk, crafted by Poggi—a manufacturer in constant collaboration with Albini—embodies a specific moment in design history where entrepreneurship, innovation, and cultural research converged successfully. Its use in a contemporary setting offers a sophisticated interplay between past and present.

Dimensions: 75 cm (h) x 198 cm x 103 cm.