Vico Magistretti: Lighting design as functional art

Vico Magistretti, one of the most prominent Italian designers of the 20th century, had an immense influence on contemporary lighting design. His work is recognized for its simple but innovative solutions that combined functionality and aesthetics, which led to the creation of cult pieces that are still synonymous with contemporary design. Magistretti believed that lighting is not only a tool for illuminating a space, but that it can be a form of artistic expression. His philosophy was that every item he designs is both functional and visually attractive.

Innovation through simplicity

Magistretti has always strived to create products that are both simple and innovative. His lighting design philosophy is based on minimalism and functionality, where all decorative elements are avoided in order to highlight the very essence of the design. One of his most famous works is the Atollo lamp, which has become a symbol of modern design. With clear geometric shapes – hemisphere, cylinder and cone – Atollo exemplifies Magistretti’s genius in combining basic shapes to create a visually striking yet simple structure. This lighting design represents Magistretti’s preference for clean lines and simplicity, while providing users with a functional and aesthetically pleasing solution. Although he designed it back in 1977, Atollo became the archetype of the table lamp, winning the Compasso d’Oro in 1979 and completely revolutionizing the way we imagine the classic night lamp. The geometric shapes that make it up – cylinder, cone and hemisphere – resulted in a product that is decorative and essential at the same time, separated from the historical period and the fashion of the moment, and which has now completely become one of the icons of Italian design.

Source: italiandesignclub.com

Atollo is available in three different sizes and finishes: white, black, satin bronze or satin gold metal. Magistretti was not only focused on the visual aspect. His designs were driven by the need for practicality and economy, paving the way for industrial lighting design that is affordable yet sophisticated. Using readily available materials and simple manufacturing processes, Magistretti has made its lighting solutions more widely available, making them ideal for contemporary homes and offices.

Functionality as an artistic expression

Although his aesthetics were minimalist, Magistretti also brought deep artistic value to his works. His lighting design was often thoughtfully shaped to function as a sculpture within the space, thus giving the lamps a dual significance – as functional objects and works of art. This is especially visible in the design of the Eclisse lamp, where Magistretti experimented with the possibility of controlling light. Eclisse, with a movable shade that allows you to adjust the intensity of the light, represents an innovation in lighting design, and is also a symbol of Magistretti’s vision of lighting as something that actively participates in shaping the atmosphere of a space.

Source: artemide.com

Designed in 1965, it won the Compasso d’Oro award in 1967 and became an ambassador of Italian design around the world. Eclisse is an avant-garde balance between form and function, design and utility. The basis of the concept lies in its functionality of adjusting the light intensity through a rotating internal shade that “shadows” the light source. In fact, with a fixed outer shell and a movable inner shell, the lamp can provide direct or diffused light.

Interestingly, it is a table lamp that can also be mounted on the wall. Painted metal housing available in white, red, orange or yellow and PVD version, made with an innovative and sustainable process of vacuum metal deposition (“sputtering”), available in black, brass, copper or mirror.

Magistretti designed with the intention of creating long-lasting, timeless products. His work set the standards for future generations of lighting designers, and his philosophy of minimalism and functionality continues to have a strong influence on contemporary design. Each of his pieces testifies to how lighting can be much more than a simple source of light – it can transform a space, shape an atmosphere and serve as a means of artistic expression.