Enzo Mari, a defender of non-consumerist design, is one of the pioneers of the DIY (Do It Yourself) movement. Long considered an "original", Enzo Mari has been challenging the excesses of consumer society since the 1960s. Born in Cérano (Italy) in 1932, this visionary environmentalist and avowed communist (without…

Enzo Mari, a defender of non-consumerist design, is one of the pioneers of the DIY (Do It Yourself) movement. Long considered an "original", Enzo Mari has been challenging the excesses of consumer society since the 1960s.

Born in Cérano (Italy) in 1932, this visionary environmentalist and avowed communist (without being a card-carrying member) is one of those who do not mince his words. In 2003, he confided to the newspaper "Libération": "Design should represent the capacity of society to improve itself, to stimulate awareness.”

After studying art and literature at the Brera Academy in Milan, Enzo Mari turned to industrial design. Critical of the customs and traditions of the industrial sector, he opened his own design studio in Milan in 1952, which he closed in 2013. For 61 years, he developed objects that reflected his desire to make design functional in everyday life, particularly through hybrid and modular products.
This did not, however, prevent him from working with the cream of Italian publishers, to whom he delivered furniture and objects that would make history.

In the late fifties, he met the artist Bruno Munari and the gallery owner Bruno Danese. Through their contact, he integrated the influences of kinetic art into his production. Mixing art and craftsmanship with an ecological conscience, Enzo Mari founded the Nuova Tendenza movement in 1963.
Theoretician, Enzo Mari began teaching that same year at the University of Parma, to which he bequeathed a collection of nearly 8,500 original sketches and drawings. He also taught abroad, at the Hochschule der Künste in Berlin and the Hochschule für Angewandte Kunst in Vienna.
In 1974, his manifesto Proposta per un'autoprogettazione caused a lively controversy in the world of design. In it, he demonstrated his ambition to involve the consumer and make him active in the making of his furniture. He shared the assembly plans for his furniture, designed from simple materials and achievable using everyone's toolbox. Enzo Mari, a follower of "Do it yourself", defends the movement consisting of creating and repairing everyday objects. the latter has always been one step ahead, and continues to inspire a multitude of young designers.

Oil and Vinegar Set Opasis Vintage Model by Enzo Mari for Zani Zani
stainless steel, perspex

Designer: Enzo Mari
Publisher: Zani zani
Dimensions: 13 x 11 cm

Enzo Mari, an advocate of non-consumerist design, is one of the pioneers of the DIY (Do It Yourself) movement. Long considered an "original", Enzo Mari has been challenging the excesses of the consumer society since the 1960s.


Born in Cerano (Italy) in 1932, this visionary ecologist and communist (without being a recluse) is one of those who don't have their language in their pocket. In 2003, he confided to the newspaper "Libération": "Design should represent society's ability to improve itself, to stimulate consciences". After training in art and literature at the Brera Academy in Milan, Enzo Mari turned to industrial design. Critical of the habits and customs of the industrial sector, in 1952 he opened his own design studio in Milan, which he closed in 2013. For 61 years, he developed objects there that testify to his desire to make design functional on a daily basis, particularly through hybrid and modular products.
However, this did not prevent him from working with the cream of Italian publishers, to whom he delivered furniture and objects that would make history.

At the end of the fifties, he met the artist Bruno Munari and the gallery owner Bruno Danese. With their contact, he integrates in his production the influences of kinetic art. Mixing art and craft in an ecological consciousness, Enzo Mari founded the Nuova Tendenza movement in 1963.
A theorist, Enzo Mari began teaching that same year at the University of Parma, to whom he bequeathed a collection of nearly 8,500 original sketches and drawings. He also teaches abroad, at the Hochschule der Künste in Berlin and at the Hochschule für Angewandte Kunst in Vienna.
In 1974, his manifesto book Proposed for an autoprogettazione caused a lively controversy in the world of design. In it, he testifies to his ambition to involve the consumer and make him active in the manufacture of his furniture. He shares the assembly plans for his furniture, designed using simple materials that can be made using anyone's toolbox. Enzo Mari, an adherent of "Do it yourself", defends the movement of creating and repairing everyday objects. He has always been one step ahead and continues to inspire a multitude of young designers.

Oil and Vintage Vintage Opasis Vintage Oil and Vinegar Set by Enzo Mari for Zani Zani
stainless steel, perspex

Designer: Enzo Mari
Publisher: Zani Zani
Dimensions: 13 x 11 cm