1960s: Arco Floor Lamp

History

The Archo Floor Lamp was designed by Achille Castiglioni and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni in 1962. The design solved a specific lighting problem: when overhead or high lighting was needed it now didn’t require any ceiling installations. By balancing the body of the lamp, including its super elongated arm, against a heavy base made of marble block.

Designed by

Castiglioni brothers: Achille Castiglioni (Italian, 1918–2002) and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni (Italian, 1913–1968)

Dimensions

Maximum: 241.6 x 213.4 x 31.1 cm, minimum 241.6 x 207 x 31.1 cm.

Materials

Marble and stainless steel.

Elements and Principles

Form and Balance. The 3-dimensional form of this lamp was a novelty design at the time. The idea of creating a very large floor lamp that would provide overhead lighting was challenging. Balance was the solution. The weight of the lamp shade and the arm is physically and visually balanced by the heavy marble base.

Manufactured by

Flos S.p.A.

Used by Designers

The rule seems to be: if you are after a contemporary look of an interior, include the Arco Floor Lamp. This lamp, and its derivatives, are enjoying massive popularity nowadays, especially in modern interiors, both residential and commercial. You can use it in the open plan living room, in a home office, bedroom or dining room. Equally well, you can have it in a modern office, library or other commercial interior. The Arco Lamp composes well with vintage and retro styles as well.

Replicas

Arco Floor Lamp can be purchased from Lumens. Replicas are available from many sellers, including Iconic Interiors, www.iconiclights.co.uk, Matt Blatt, Sokol and www.eatfurniture.com.au

Contemporary interpretations and influences

With the Arco Floor Lamp enjoying significant popularity,  there have been a large number of variations and contemporary interpretations of this iconic design. They typically have a different shape and colour of the shade and/or different base. Recently, however, with increasing popularity of white marble, the original-like marble base has been in use too.

Resources

http://www.moma.org/collection/object.php?object_id=1942

http://iconicinteriors.com/designer_furniture/category/designer-lighting/

http://www.lumens.com/achille-castiglioni/

http://www.lumens.com/arco-floor-lamp-by-flos-lighting-PAAAIAPEMFGNDCAJ.html#cgid=%0A%09%0A%09%097006%0A%09%0A&&tileIndex=3

http://www.eatfurniture.com.au/products/product-search-result/?ProductSearchID=3107455

http://www.juluis.com/en/portfolio-item/achille-pier-giacomo-castiglioni/

http://www.onlive1.com/arco-floor-lamp-room-and-board/

http://freehouseinteriordesignideas.com/arco-floor-light/

http://www.onnihome.com/acro-floor-lamp-for-inspiring-interior-decoration/achille-castiglioni-arco-lamp/

http://www.neofurn.co.uk/floor-lamps/351-studio-design-bow-floor-lamp-orange-shade-adjustable-arch-0081175880338.html

http://www.deivos.com/adorable-arco-floor-lamp-design/

http://www.mychesterfieldsofa.com/arc-floor-lamp/

http://materialgirlsblog.com/newyork/files/2011/03/sophisticated-LR.jpg

http://www.ceridianindex.com/combining-the-arco-floor-lamp-with-the-astonishing-and-elegant-home-interior-design/