CINA, THE MASTERPIECE BY VICO MAGISTRETTI FOR SCHIFFINI TURNS 40

Images courtesy of Schiffini

A Modern Return of A Design Icon

To mark its centenary, Schiffini revisits one of its most iconic creations: Cina, the kitchen designed in 1986 by Vico Magistretti. Celebrated for its purity of form and harmonious proportions, the model stands as a clear expression of Magistretti’s design philosophy—modernity understood as a dialogue between past and future.

Reintroduced today with contemporary materials and updated technologies, the kitchen remains faithful to its original concept while embracing current manufacturing standards. One of its defining elements is the steel hood, a feature that redefined the aesthetics of kitchen furnishings when it first appeared in the 1980s.

Equally distinctive is the recessed handle, created by a groove along the upper edge of the base units and the lower edge of the wall cabinets. This subtle detail produces a continuous line that gives the composition a refined rhythm, while the rounded door profile adds lightness and fluidity to the overall silhouette.

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Cina reflects a careful balance of engineering and aesthetics. Its minimal language—stripped of unnecessary decoration—embodies Magistretti’s belief in design as an exercise in clarity, where simplicity enhances both usability and visual harmony.

The relaunch also coincides with an important milestone for Schiffini. Founded in 1925 in La Spezia as a small carpentry workshop producing naval furniture, the company has grown into a leading name in Italian modular kitchen design. A century later, the revival of Cina underscores the brand’s enduring ability to bridge heritage and innovation.