Winner of the prestigious SMAU Industrial Design Award that same year, the Congresso bookcase immediately established itself as a symbol of a rational and functional approach, capable of combining architecture and furniture in a single design gesture.
The version presented here is the XL, the rarest and most sought-after of all, now considered a true collector’s item.
Unlike the standard version with 5 shelves per side, this imposing configuration reaches 3 meters in height and houses 7 shelves per side, for a total of 14 double-sided shelves.
The double structure makes it a striking sculptural piece, perfect as a central divider in lofts, galleries, and public spaces, or as an architectural installation capable of redefining space.
A significant historical detail is that these bookcases were adopted by the Vatican Archives, confirming their solidity and the institutional vocation of a system designed to stand the test of time and contain a wealth of knowledge.
Today, they have become extremely rare on the market: we have four identical modules available, for a total of four linear meters, a unique opportunity to furnish an entire space with aesthetic and historical coherence.
Made of military green steel, typical of Lips Vago’s industrial style, the bookcase retains all its original expressive power: the shelves are adjustable and slide with a simple gesture, allowing for extreme versatility. The solid base ensures stability, while the rigorous proportions confirm the rationalist and minimalist vocation of the project.
Published several times in magazines such as Domus, the Congresso bookcase is now an icon of Italian design, having been out of production for decades. This XL version is an extremely rare model, virtually impossible to find on the international market, and represents a real opportunity for collectors, galleries, and architects seeking a unique piece that combines history, functionality, and sculptural power.
Perfect condition, with slight signs of aging and small rust spots that give it an extraordinary original patina, a testament to its authenticity and lived-in beauty.
Product Name: Congresso XL Bookcase produced by Lips Vago in 1960
Designer: Lips Vago
Year of Design: 1967
Style: 1960s Italian Rationalism and Modernism
Main Materials: Military green painted steel
Distinctive Design: 3-meter-high double-sided structure with 7 shelves per side (14 shelves in total), solid base, adjustable and sliding shelves, rigorous and minimalist architectural lines
Dimensions: Height 300cm | Width 100cm | Depth 70cm | Four modules available for a total of 400 cm in length.
Comfort: Maximum functionality and storage capacity, with adjustable shelves that allow for versatile use in a variety of contexts.
Typical Use: Central partition for lofts and galleries, furnishing for public and institutional spaces, also ideal as a high-impact architectural installation.
Design Icon: Winner of the SMAU Industrial Design Award 1967, published in Domus, adopted by the Vatican Archives, a symbol of modular and functional Italian design of the 1960s.
Versatility: Perfect for both contemporary and historic settings, it can be used as a bookcase or as a sculptural architectural divider.
Current Design Condition: Excellent vintage condition with minor signs of aging and small rust spots that lend a charming original patina.
Additional Notes: Please note that this item is in excellent vintage condition. Minor signs of aging may be present, which do not affect its functionality. We encourage you to consider these features before purchasing.
The seller assumes all responsibility for this listing.
About This Piece
Vintage Design
Winner of the prestigious SMAU Industrial Design Award that same year, the Congresso bookcase immediately established itself as a symbol of a rational and functional approach, capable of combining architecture and furniture in a single design gesture.
The version presented here is the XL, the rarest and most sought-after of all, now considered a true collector’s item.
Unlike the standard version with 5 shelves per side, this imposing configuration reaches 3 meters in height and houses 7 shelves per side, for a total of 14 double-sided shelves.
The double structure makes it a striking sculptural piece, perfect as a central divider in lofts, galleries, and public spaces, or as an architectural installation capable of redefining space.
A significant historical detail is that these bookcases were adopted by the Vatican Archives, confirming their solidity and the institutional vocation of a system designed to stand the test of time and contain a wealth of knowledge.
Today, they have become extremely rare on the market: we have four identical modules available, for a total of four linear meters, a unique opportunity to furnish an entire space with aesthetic and historical coherence.
Made of military green steel, typical of Lips Vago’s industrial style, the bookcase retains all its original expressive power: the shelves are adjustable and slide with a simple gesture, allowing for extreme versatility. The solid base ensures stability, while the rigorous proportions confirm the rationalist and minimalist vocation of the project.
Published several times in magazines such as Domus, the Congresso bookcase is now an icon of Italian design, having been out of production for decades. This XL version is an extremely rare model, virtually impossible to find on the international market, and represents a real opportunity for collectors, galleries, and architects seeking a unique piece that combines history, functionality, and sculptural power.
Perfect condition, with slight signs of aging and small rust spots that give it an extraordinary original patina, a testament to its authenticity and lived-in beauty.
Product Name: Congresso XL Bookcase produced by Lips Vago in 1960
Designer: Lips Vago
Year of Design: 1967
Style: 1960s Italian Rationalism and Modernism
Main Materials: Military green painted steel
Distinctive Design: 3-meter-high double-sided structure with 7 shelves per side (14 shelves in total), solid base, adjustable and sliding shelves, rigorous and minimalist architectural lines
Dimensions: Height 300cm | Width 100cm | Depth 70cm | Four modules available for a total of 400 cm in length.
Comfort: Maximum functionality and storage capacity, with adjustable shelves that allow for versatile use in a variety of contexts.
Typical Use: Central partition for lofts and galleries, furnishing for public and institutional spaces, also ideal as a high-impact architectural installation.
Design Icon: Winner of the SMAU Industrial Design Award 1967, published in Domus, adopted by the Vatican Archives, a symbol of modular and functional Italian design of the 1960s.
Versatility: Perfect for both contemporary and historic settings, it can be used as a bookcase or as a sculptural architectural divider.
Current Design Condition: Excellent vintage condition with minor signs of aging and small rust spots that lend a charming original patina.
Additional Notes: Please note that this item is in excellent vintage condition. Minor signs of aging may be present, which do not affect its functionality. We encourage you to consider these features before purchasing.
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| Manufacturer | Lips Vago |
|---|---|
| Design Period | 1960 to 1969 |
| Production Period | 1960 to 1969 |
| Country of Manufacture | Italy |
| Identifying Marks | This piece has been attributed based on archival documentation, such as vintage catalogs, designer records, or other literature sources |
| Style | Industrial |
| Detailed Condition | Good — This vintage/antique item may have some wear such as scratches and other signs of ageing. |
| Restoration and Damage Details | Light wear consistent with age and use, Patina consistent with age and use |
| Product Code | BAD-2348294 |
| Materials | Steel |
| Color | Olive |
| Width | 100 cm 39.4 inch |
| Depth | 70 cm 27.6 inch |
| Height | 300 cm 118.1 inch |
| Weight Range | Very Heavy — Over 150kg |




































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