The Castiglioni brothers are among the most important industrial designers of post-war Italy. The two have received numerous awards, and many of their design objects can be seen in renowned museums around the world. Luminator, for example, is in the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Achille and Pier Giacomo continue to serve as role models and inspiration for many subsequent designers to this day. It is undeniable that the two have significantly influenced Italian design history as well as the success of Flos.
Flos Luminator
"Design shouldn't be trendy.
Good design should stand the test of time until it wears out."
Achille Castiglioni, one of the two Luminator designers
Good design should stand the test of time until it wears out."
Achille Castiglioni, one of the two Luminator designers
Luminator – technically advanced luminaire icon in pop colors
Luminator is a design classic by Pier Giacomo and Achille Castiglioni from 1954, which makes the lamp older than Flos itself, because the company was only founded in 1962 and included Luminator in its range later.
Now the Italian manufacturer has technically optimized the uplighter and offers it in white, blue and red in addition to the original anthracite. In addition, the designer lamp made of metal now has a dimmer with which you can adjust the brightness of the light and thus provide an even more comfortable lighting atmosphere. You can enjoy the indirect, glare-free lighting in the living room or bedroom as well as in the dining room.
In terms of sustainability, Flos has also made a change: The former fire enameling process is no longer necessary, as the 300-watt bulb has been replaced by an LED bulb. The new enameling method makes the process more sustainable and less costly, as the LED bulb no longer emits intense heat.
The iconic design, however, is unchanged: Luminator exemplifies functional minimalism with its slim silhouette and three-legged metal frame, and is now more contemporary than ever.
The right bulb for Flos Luminator
The bulb of the Luminator, which is partially visible, affects the light pattern as well as the design of the lamp. Therefore, when you buy the floor lamp, we recommend a suitable bulb, which you can purchase in addition.
With its size, shape and coating, it perfectly fits the Flos Luminator, complements the stylish look and provides an excellent lighting effect. Thanks to the dimmable LED bulb and the sliding dimmer, you can dim the light continuously and thus create a particularly atmospheric ambience in the room.
Pier Giacomo and Achille Castiglioni – two exceptional talents of Italian design
The brothers were born in Milan, Pier Giacomo in 1913 and Achille in 1918, and later studied architecture at Milan Polytechnic. In 1937 Pier Giacomo and the third brother in the group, Livio, founded a studio, which Achille also joined in 1944. Six years later, Livio left the studio again and Pier Giacomo and Achille continued working together as a couple. Since then, the Italians have created many joint designs, which are characterized by their reduced, functional designs. Many of them, like Luminator, achieved cult status. Incidentally, the Castiglionis brought Flos its first design prize with this luminaire – the coveted Compasso d'Oro.
Other luminaires for Flos with which the brothers made design history include Taraxacum, Arco, and Snoopy. The Castiglionis developed Taraxum in 1960 from Cocoon, a completely new material at the time. With Arco, the two created the first ever arc lamp in 1962, which remains a classic of decentralized zone lighting. With its asymmetrical shade and white marble base, the Snoopy table lamp from 1967 somewhat resembles the famous cartoon dog. It is the last joint work of the Castiglionis, as Pier Giacomo died a year later, and Achille continued to work alone as a globally successful industrial designer until his death in 2002.
