Flos Artemide is a renowned Italian lighting company that has been illuminating the world with its innovative and thought-provoking lighting solutions for several decades. The company has a rich history, having been founded in 1960 by the iconic designer and entrepreneur, Dino Gavina. Today, Flos Artemide is a global leader in lighting design, with a diverse range of products that cater to both residential and commercial spaces. This article delves into the fascinating history of Flos Artemide, its commitment to innovation, and some of its most iconic products.
History of Flos Artemide
Flos Artemide was founded in 1960 by Dino Gavina, who was an avid collector of contemporary art and design. Gavina’s vision was to create a company that would merge art and design in a functional context, and Flos Artemide was the culmination of this vision. Over the years, the company has collaborated with several renowned designers and architects, such as Achille Castiglioni, Philippe Starck, and Piero Lissoni, to create some of the most iconic lighting products in the world.
One of Flos Artemide’s earliest successes was the Arco lamp, which was designed by brothers Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni in 1962. The Arco lamp is a floor lamp that features a curved stainless-steel arm that can extend up to 2.25 meters, making it a versatile and functional piece. Today, the Arco lamp is considered a design classic and has been featured in several movies and TV shows.
Innovation at Flos Artemide
Innovation has been the cornerstone of Flos Artemide’s success over the years. The company has always been committed to pushing the boundaries of design, and this is evident in the way it approaches the design process. Flos Artemide works with a team of in-house designers, as well as external collaborators, to create products that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also technologically advanced.
One of the company’s most innovative products is the Parentesi lamp, which was designed by Achille Castiglioni and Pio Manzù in 1971. The Parentesi lamp is a floor-to-ceiling lamp that features a thin steel cable that can be adjusted to different heights, making it a versatile and adaptable piece. The Parentesi lamp is a testament to Flos Artemide’s commitment to innovation and functionality.
Iconic Flos Artemide Products
Flos Artemide has created several iconic products over the years that have become synonymous with modern design. Here are some of the most iconic Flos Artemide products:
Tolomeo Lamp
The Tolomeo lamp was designed by Michele De Lucchi and Giancarlo Fassina in 1987. The Tolomeo lamp is a desk lamp that features a cantilevered arm and a fully adjustable shade, making it a versatile and functional piece. The Tolomeo lamp has won several awards, including the Compasso d’Oro award in 1989.
Snoopy Lamp
The Snoopy lamp was designed by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni in 1967. The Snoopy lamp is a table lamp that features a playful and whimsical design, with a white marble base and a curved enameled metal shade. The Snoopy lamp is a classic example of Flos Artemide’s ability to create products that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
IC Light
The IC Light was designed by Michael Anastassiades in 2014. The IC Light is a floor lamp that features a delicate hand-blown glass globe that appears to balance on a thin brass stem, creating a sense of weightlessness. The IC Light is a stunning example of Flos Artemide’s ability to use simple materials to create a visually striking piece.
Flos Artemide has been a leading player in the lighting industry for several decades, and its success can be attributed to its commitment to innovation and design. The company has created several iconic products that have become synonymous with modern design and has collaborated with several renowned designers and architects. Flos Artemide’s products are not only aesthetically pleasing but also technologically advanced, making them a perfect addition to any space. As Flos Artemide continues to push the boundaries of design, it is clear that it will continue to shine bright and illuminate the world with its innovative lighting solutions.
