Nuvola Rossa Bookcase

Overview

Nuvola Rossa is a bookcase by Vico Magistretti, designed in 1977. Cassina describes it as a simple, clean-cut bookcase in solid wood whose diagonal bracing struts carry six shelves without side supports.

Construction

• Structure: solid steamed beech or American walnut.
• Shelves: particleboard with solid wood edges and veneered surfaces, or MDF for lacquered versions.
• Finish: natural matt, or semi-matt lacquer.
• Folding: the structure folds away and can also serve as a room-divider.

Specifications

• 100 x 39.5 x 192 cm (axes not labelled on the drawing).

A bookcase without sides

Magistretti designed the Nuvola Rossa after a detailed analysis of the classic bookcase with side supports and shelves. According to Cassina, its diagonal bracing struts become both the support structure and the housing for the shelves, which removes the need for sides.

Icon since 1977

The text calls the model an undisputed design icon since 1977 and a true construction invention. It notes that the bookcase has been imitated several times as an example of simplified function achieved through an interplay of shapes.