The office can no longer be conceived as a purely functional environment: today, it is expected to reflect identity, comfort and a refined sense of living. Within this context, contemporary design increasingly moves beyond the traditional boundaries of the workspace, reinterpreting furniture heritage through essential aesthetics, refined materials and flexible solutions. It is precisely within this framework that Macao, the modular system designed by Maurizio Manzoni for Cantori, takes shape — envisioning the office as a natural extension of the living space and dissolving the rigid distinction between domestic and professional environments.

At the heart of the project lies the modular bookcase, an open structure defined by exceptional flexibility and a high degree of finish customization, functioning almost as a lightweight architectural element within the room. The geometric rhythm of the square-section metal frame creates a measured visual cadence, while the alternation of wood and glass shelves introduces material contrasts that lighten its overall presence. The result is a versatile system capable of transforming into a fully equipped wall unit while maintaining remarkable formal clarity. The integrated boiserie, featuring inserts in wood, marble and metal, adds depth and an almost scenographic dimension to the composition.

The desk, meanwhile, represents a balance between functionality and representation. Its top, upholstered in leather, eco-leather or suede, introduces an unusual tactile quality for an operational workspace, while the T-shaped metal structure precisely supports the wooden top and the oriented drawer unit, designed for intuitive use. It is an object that interprets work through a restrained aesthetic, where every detail speaks of customization and artisanal culture.

Completing the system is the Katerina chair: essential in its lines, carefully proportioned and conceived to ensure both visual continuity and comfort. Far from being a simple accessory, it forms an integral part of an overall vision in which ergonomics and formal coherence converge.

Founded in 1976 in Camerano, Cantori has established a distinctive position within the high-end furniture landscape over the years: that of a brand capable of translating the manufacturing tradition of the Marche region into a contemporary language, where metal — the company’s signature material — engages in dialogue with fine woods, tailored upholstery and highly sophisticated detailing.