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Snaidero America and the MoMA Legacy: A revolutionary chapter in kitchen design


In 1968, long before mobile kitchens and modular cabinetry became industry buzzwords, Snaidero introduced a concept that would forever change the architecture of the kitchen. Designed by Virgilio Forchiassin and manufactured in Italy, the Spazio Vivo Mobile Kitchen Unit was an audacious innovation—compact, foldable, and mounted on wheels, challenging the very definition of domestic space.

This groundbreaking unit combined:

An all-in-one cooking station, complete with cooktop and mini fridge

A pull-out cutting board, optimizing function without taking up space

Clever internal compartments offering surprising storage capacity within a sleek, minimalist form

It wasn’t just a clever invention—it was a cultural statement.

Celebrated at MoMA: An Icon of Italian Innovation

The Spazio Vivo kitchen debuted internationally in 1972 at MoMA (The Museum of Modern Art) in New York during the exhibition “Italy: The New Domestic Landscape.” It stood alongside other revolutionary Italian design objects that questioned the structure of modern life, offering more flexible, human-centered solutions for how we live and interact at home.

Even Time Magazine took notice, calling the unit a “substantive critique” of the Italian family model, in which the kitchen had long been revered as a sacred, immovable space. Spazio Vivo flipped that narrative: the kitchen became adaptable, mobile, and informal—a tool for autonomy and modern expression.

A Timeless Vision of the Future

Composed of steel, plastic laminate, and plywood, Spazio Vivo wasn’t just visually striking—it was a mechanical and ergonomic innovation. Every panel, hinge, and surface had a purpose. It could be compacted, expanded, and moved, making it ideal for urban living, temporary housing, or any environment where space and functionality were at a premium.

In many ways, it predicted today’s obsession with mobility, modularity, and minimalism—but did so over 50 years ago.

Snaidero’s Enduring Commitment to Design Innovation
Being included in the MoMA Architecture and Design Collection is a distinction reserved for creators who shape the way we live. For Snaidero, that recognition reflects a deep-rooted philosophy: that kitchens are not just spaces to cook, but expressions of culture, technology, and art.

From Spazio Vivo to today’s cutting-edge systems like Elementi and Vision, Snaidero continues to lead the evolution of kitchen design with:

  • Advanced ergonomics and human-centric layouts
  • Sustainable materials and eco-conscious production
  • Integration of modern technology and minimalist elegance
  • Tailored customization that responds to each homeowner’s lifestyle

Snaidero Fort Myers: Experience Design That Shaped a Generation
Today, the legacy of MoMA’s Spazio Vivo lives on—not in a museum, but in the heart of homes across Florida. At Snaidero Fort Myers, design is more than beauty—it’s function, foresight, and freedom.

Whether you’re envisioning a coastal kitchen that opens to the lanai, a compact luxury layout for a condo, or a bold statement piece in a custom estate, the inspiration behind Spazio Vivo is still relevant:

  • Make the most of space
  • Respect the flow of daily life

Choose quality that stands the test of time

Visit Our Fort Myers Showroom

Step into a world where Italian innovation meets Floridian elegance. Our expert design team will guide you through the Snaidero collections—where the spirit of Spazio Vivo continues in every cabinet, accessory, and finish.

Snaidero Fort Myers
15065 McGregor Blvd Ste 101
Fort Myers, FL 33908
By appointment or walk-in

Experience timeless Italian design—born in Italy, reimagined for Fort Myers.