Architecture For Benetton: Works of Afra and Tobia Scarpa and Tadao Ando

“Architecture For Benetton: Works of Afra and Tobia Scarpa and Tadao Ando” offers a captivating exploration of how design and architecture intertwine with the iconic brand’s identity. From its inception, Benetton has seamlessly integrated contemporary design culture into its corporate architecture, reflecting its core values of color, energy, and practicality.

In a pioneering move that predates the trend of enlisting brand-name architects, Luciano Benetton enlisted the talents of Afra and Tobia Scarpa, two young and ambitious architects, to design the company’s first textile factory in 1964. This marked the beginning of a visionary approach to architecture that sought to elevate the workplace environment, merging image and substance in a harmonious blend.

Authored by Massimo Vignelli, renowned for his mastery in design, the book presents a comprehensive collection of Benetton’s architectural endeavors, accompanied by detailed plans, 500 vibrant color illustrations, and stunning photographs by Antonia Mulas. Additionally, readers gain insights from an exclusive interview with Luciano Benetton, offering a glimpse into the visionary mindset behind the brand’s architectural vision.

Of particular interest is a dedicated chapter on Tadao Ando’s Fabrica building, a collaboration between Benetton and the acclaimed Japanese architect. Ando’s words capture the essence of the Benetton style, emphasizing the seamless integration of old and new, where ancient charm meets contemporary innovation in perfect harmony.

Designed and published in collaboration with Fabrica, Benetton’s corporate communications research center also designed by Tadao Ando, this book serves as a testament to the enduring influence of Benetton’s architectural vision, inspiring readers with its fusion of creativity, innovation, and timeless elegance.