Small Dogs: More Than Just Toys

Salvatore Solito's Award-Winning Design Inspired by a Child's Desire

Salvatore Solito's design process is emotional and instinctive, often driven by desires, emotions, or memories. For the Small Dogs project, the inspiration came from his 3-year-old daughter, Giò, and her desire to have a dog. Despite the practical difficulties of owning a pet, Solito found a creative solution that would satisfy his daughter's wish and also serve a practical purpose in the home. The result was DUDU, ETTORE, and TOBIA, the Small Dogs.

The Small Dogs are not just toys. They are designed to resemble real dogs and can be found all over the house, serving various functions. They can be used as footrests, bedside tables, magazine holders, door guards, and even TV companions. This versatility makes the Small Dogs a unique addition to any home, blending playfulness with practicality.

The Small Dogs are made using numeric control machines, which cut the material according to Solito's CAD designs. The final product consists of five pieces assembled only with wooden plugs, with no screws, bolts, or metal parts. While the original design uses lacquered wood, the Small Dogs can be made from a variety of materials.

One of the unique features of the Small Dogs is their three-dimensional design, achieved through layers that are assembled to create the figure of a dog. This design adds a touch of irony to the object, making it a fun and engaging addition to any home. The Small Dogs are also designed to be the right size for a small dog breed, ensuring that they are as close to the real thing as possible.

The Small Dogs project started in September 2010 in Tuscany and was completed in March 2011. It was then showcased at the Milan 2011 FuoriSalone. The design process involved researching small dog breeds suitable for homes and popular among children. The goal was to create a design that would satisfy a child's desire for a pet while also serving a practical purpose for adults.

The Small Dogs design was awarded the Platinum A' Design Award in 2012, recognizing it as a world-class, exceptional, and highly innovative design. This award is given to designs that showcase unmatched professionalism, genius, and contribute to societal wellbeing. The Small Dogs design is a testament to Solito's creativity and his ability to create designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and meaningful.