GUBI has unveiled the Bistra Collection, a sculptural reinterpretation of the classic bistro chair by Milan-based design studio AMDL Circle, founded by architect Michele De Lucchi. The collection distils the archetype to its essential form, blending timeless elegance with contemporary craftsmanship.
© GUBI
Comprising a dining armchair, a lounge chair, and a three-legged stool, Bistra is rooted in its principal material: steam-bent rattan. Its design draws from organic growth, with tree-like contours in the legs, arms, and backrest, and is complemented by custom-designed upholstery featuring a botanical motif inspired by a Leonardo da Vinci fresco. Available in three frame colours and a range of upholstery fabrics, the collection offers versatility for diverse interiors.
The bistro chair has been an enduring design icon since the early 20th century. With Bistra, AMDL Circle redefines the silhouette for the modern era, reducing it to its purest structural expression. The result is a harmonious balance of past and present, characterised by flowing curves and lightweight silhouettes.
At the heart of the design are three steam-bent rattan components: the backrest, the armrests, and a double fork forming the legs, which rise from the ground like saplings. Tone-on-tone rattan bindings are woven around the backrest canes, referencing traditional bistro styles while embracing contemporary form.
'The inspiration for Bistra comes from the plant world: the structural rattan elements emerge from a single point and branch out like tree limbs or fronds. Everything originates from the base, from which elements extend and transform into supports for the seat, backrest, legs, and armrests. It is a structure that grows from the ground up, like roots that evolve and transform into the final object,' said Michele De Lucchi, Architect and Founder, AMDL Circle.
De Lucchi, born in Ferrara, Italy, in 1951, is widely recognised as a key figure in late 20th-century Italian design. His career spans the Radical architecture movement of the 1970s and his role as a founding member of Ettore Sottsass' Memphis Group. His humanistic, exploratory approach continues to guide AMDL Circle's multidisciplinary practice in Milan.
The Bistra Collection underscores the continued relevance of artisanal materials and traditional furniture-making techniques, while embracing a modern, architectural lens. By rooting the design in nature and paring it back to its essentials, AMDL Circle has created pieces that speak to both contemporary living and enduring craftsmanship.
With its combination of organic inspiration, refined silhouette, and sustainable materiality, Bistra is poised to become a modern classic within both residential and hospitality spaces.
More information:
GUBI
[email protected]
www.gubi.com
