A two-wheel industrial cart, a warehouse shelf, a stepladder and, of course, creativity. Federico Peri mixed these ingredients to add a new project to his furniture range inspired by industry, yet made more appealing by using refined materials as well as handmade techniques instead of relying on a serial production. In this way the designer re-use the above-mentioned three industrial pieces to produce – within 40 days – his Biblioteca Itinerante/Itinerant Bookcase, made of a seat, a reading-top and a bookcase, whose finishings also reminds of the Fifties.

We reached the designer to talk about this project and his point of view on design.

What’s the inspiration behind Biblioteca Itinerante?

I wanted to create sort of a “cozy cell” dedicated to readers. I named it ‘bookcase’ because it presents the main features, such as book shelves, a lamp and a double seat solution: a table chair and a chaise longue. I choosed ‘itinerant’ because of the cart wheels.

Why do you prefer industrial furniture?

My grandfather started an industrial shelf company in the Fifties, so I’ve always been into this kind of world since my childhood. Therefore this project, which has been presented on the occasion of Ventura Lambrate, is a summary of both my life and my taste in design.

What’s the ideal setting for this piece?

I don’t have an ideal context in mind because I believe furniture has its own identity. I love contrasts, therefore I’d love to see it in an ancient palace, however I also think a loft would be its more obvious setting.

Who are your reference designers?

Certainly Edward Wormley and Franco Albini. Moreover, Vincenzo de Cotiis for his employment of materials, and the Bouroullec brothers for the smartness of their projects.

How important is for design to use recycled materials in this era?

Recycling and reinterpreting to give things a new life is both ethically correct and challenging for designers.

What’s your favorite material?

Metal, however I love when different materials combined together create a unique balance.

INFO: www.federicoperi.com

PHOTO COURTESY: Federico Peri