In 1974, Italian designer Enzo Mari introduced a series of do-it-yourself furniture designs that have since garnered a dedicated following among enthusiasts of minimalist and functional design. His plans, published in a book titled *Autoprogettazione*, detail how to construct pieces such as the Sedia 1 chair and Tavolo table using basic materials and simple tools. Decades later, Mari’s designs continue to inspire makers who appreciate both the aesthetic and the hands-on process.

A page on the Archivio design library website now allows users to customize Mari’s Sedia 1 and Tavolo models by inputting specific dimensions to suit their intended spaces, complete with estimates of the time required for assembly. The Sedia 1 chair, for example, is estimated to take between 60 and 130 minutes to build. However, those familiar with the process suggest the task may be more time-consuming.

Film-maker Canny Richardson, who crafted both a chair and a bench from leftover wood while renovating her home in London’s Holloway, recounted her experience with the plans. “Each piece took me about a day to make,” she explained. Although the materials she used did not match Mari’s exact specifications, Richardson adapted the dimensions intuitively, emphasizing the simplicity and clarity of the instructions. The bench now resides in her garden, while the chair occupies her upstairs studio. Richardson noted that the primary motivation was practical need, as she had recently moved into her new home and required furniture promptly.

Mari, who passed away in 2020, had encouraged those who completed his designs to send photos of their finished work to his studio. He stipulated that while his plans were shared freely, the pieces themselves could not be produced commercially by manufacturers. This principle was observed until 2010, when Artek, a Finnish furniture company, partnered with Mari’s studio to sell the Sedia 1 kit commercially. The kit included pre-cut pine boards and nails along with assembly instructions, providing customers with a streamlined version of the do-it-yourself experience. The product was available until 2018 and was priced at €219.

Mari’s legacy has persisted not only through these commercial offerings but also through a grassroots community of builders who value the combination of craftsmanship, design, and sustainability his work promotes. His emphasis on accessibility, adaptability, and the direct engagement of users with the creative process continues to resonate with those seeking an alternative to mass-produced furniture.