studio lievito turns waste marble into modular, urban micro-architectural furniture

studio lievito carves MARMIFERE as urban furniture

Drawing inspiration from the historic Ferrovia Marmifera di Carrara — the 19th-century railway built to transport marble from the Apuan Alps down to the port of Carrara — Marmifere is a modular urban furniture collection designed by Studio Lievito. Conceived as a deliberate homage to Ugo La Pietra’s radical experimentation and Archizoom’s avant-garde vision, these sculptural stone elements act as symbolic bridges between the quarry and the city. Designed to inhabit public squares, parks, and pedestrian zones, they transform ancient geological memory into interactive urban landscapes that encourage rest, play, and contemplation.

Marmifere are an invitation to rest, relax and contemplate, but also to talk, play and explore

all images courtesy of Studio Lievito

modular modules form miniature railway tunnels

The first module of the Florence-based studio‘s Marmifere reinterprets the Ravaneti, the massive mounds of marble waste left behind by quarrying activities. One side of the module features a concave, hollowed profile that mimics the steep erosion of the mountain, revealing a reclined seat with an organic shape that invites passers-by to relax. On the opposite side, the surface remains intact, functioning as an inclined climbing wall fitted with recycled plastic holds for children to explore. Running through the interior is a hollow cavity referencing the railway’s entrance tunnels. When modules are aligned, these cavities connect to form miniature tunnels for children to crawl through.

Marmifere are a series of monolithic microarchitectural pieces for contemporary urban settings

recycled marble prompts discovery, play, and community

The second module takes its cues from quarry terraces, replicating the geometric succession of ledges and steps carved into the rock face. This translates into staggered levels offering diverse seating perspectives within the urban landscape. Like the first block, its rear wall serves as a spontaneous climbing structure, while the integrated tunnel cavity continues the theme of discovery and play. By blending raw industrial history with tactile interactivity, Studio Lievito crafts an intimate account of Carrara’s mountain landscape, inviting citizens to reconnect with the authentic heritage of Italian marble.

the design is rooted in the morphology of the Apuan Alps in the heart of Tuscany, Italy

the pieces account for its place and history, visually emerging from the quarrying landscape

Marmifere are urban sculptural elements with a living presence and strong symbolic component

small children can explore the inclined climbing wall, spontaneously clambering up its recycled plastic holds

when the modules align, they create tunnels that children can crawl through, play, and hide in

the series suggest new visions and original viewpoints

Marmifere reconnect users with the precious testimony of the mountain and its authentic history

project info:

name: MARMIFERE
designer: Studio Lievito