At Salone del Mobile 2026, MARA introduced its latest furniture line within an immersive exhibition environment envisioned by Italian architect and designer Ferruccio Laviani. This installation, a miniature arena, positioned visitors at the heart of an ascending spatial layout, with new product offerings showcased across tiered levels, encouraging interaction and engagement.
The concept behind this display drew heavily from the ancient Greek theater, reimagined as a communal space for dialogue, exchange, and shared observation. Laviani’s vision aimed to craft an architectural landscape where attendees could comfortably sit, navigate the area, examine products from various angles, and foster a more direct, experiential connection with the brand. This echoes Laviani’s philosophy that exhibition design should transcend mere display, evolving into a dynamic social experience. He endeavors to transport visitors into a distinct ambiance, allowing them to grasp a brand’s essence through thoughtful use of space, materials, and functional design.
Laviani articulated his inspiration, stating, "The idea is reminiscent of a Greek theatre. People would gather there, engaging in discussions. While I don't aspire to be Plato, I sought to create a similar setting—a place not solely for showcasing objects, but for people to connect, explore, converse, and share perspectives." This underscores his commitment to designing environments that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and conducive to human interaction.
Laviani’s personal connection to MARA is further deepened by the company’s roots in the Brescia province, a region significant to his own family history. He noted, "When they first approached me, I was intrigued to learn more about them because of their origins in Brescia. It was my father’s home province. The people of Brescia are known for their distinctive characteristics—resilient, strong, and exceptionally industrious. They possess a vision that sets them apart from other areas within the Lombardy region."
This regional affinity influenced his designs, including the Elle bookcase system for MARA, which saw new storage components and hanging rails added this year. These additions were seamlessly integrated, appearing as natural evolutions rather than mere accessories, suggesting the system’s ongoing potential for transformation. Laviani explained, "We are continuously exploring the full capabilities of the structure. The core framework remains consistent, but as a system, we aim to evolve it into something distinct and novel, introducing new elements regularly that transform its nature."
Other notable introductions at the Milan event ventured in different directions. Marcello Ziliani’s Aera seating collection, for instance, exemplified understated elegance and meticulous precision. Its minimalist lines, slender profile, and thoughtfully crafted details lend it an unassuming presence, allowing it to blend effortlessly into diverse settings, from corporate offices to hospitality venues and private residences, without ever feeling out of place.
Christophe Pillet’s Otto table offered another dimension of innovation, interpreting the table as a nexus where engineering prowess meets expressive design. This series leverages MARA’s technical expertise, particularly its patented height-adjustment mechanism, imbuing it with a more architectural quality. The Otto table, characterized by a striking double-T-shaped structure, achieves a harmonious balance between controlled proportions and inherent structural strength, effectively transforming a practical solution into a powerful design element. Pillet himself remarked, "I clothed a MARA mechanism, converting its modern functionality into an embodiment of beauty."
Francesco Barbi’s B302 Vase showcased a different facet of adaptability—a fully recyclable steel planter module designed to complement MARA’s existing B302 modular bookcase. By integrating plant life into the system, this piece broadens the bookcase’s functional and atmospheric possibilities, all while upholding MARA’s core principles of modularity and enduring utility. This commitment to versatility was also evident in the tenth-anniversary celebration of Argo Libro, MARA’s iconic folding table. A limited-edition series was released, featuring a polished-steel reflective top. Originally conceived for flexible environments such as offices and educational spaces, the Argo Libro table, mounted on castors, can be easily moved, folded, and reconfigured. It continues to straddle the line between conventional furniture and essential infrastructure, adapting not to fixed purposes, but to the fluid shifts in human behavior, spatial needs, and evolving demands.
The collection unveiled at Salone del Mobile 2026 underscores MARA's dedication to developing adaptable furniture systems. From Laviani’s innovative exhibition design to the continuously evolving Elle system, Ziliani’s refined Aera seating, Pillet’s technologically advanced Otto table, Barbi’s eco-conscious planter module, and the commemorative Argo Libro, these products collectively illustrate a profound understanding of furniture as an integral component of contemporary interiors—characterized by flexibility, precision, and an inherent capacity to support dynamic lifestyles and work environments.