The Pipistrello lamp turns 50
Created in 1965 by the Italian designer Gae Aulenti and produced by Martinelli Luce, the famous lamp will be issued in a golden version to mark its milestone anniversary.
Pipistrello is Italian for "bat," and the lampshade, sculpted in white methacrylate, calls to mind the nocturnal rodent's wings. To be placed on a table or on the floor, the lamp stands atop a metal base, and its height may be adjusted thanks to a stainless steel telescopic mechanism.
In fact, this telescopic base was what initially delayed the lamp's production, as it was seen as too avant-garde in its day. To celebrate its 50th anniversary, the Pipistrello will be issued in spring 2015 in a special edition with a gold base.
The iconic lamp certainly isn't the only design legacy left by Gaetana "Gae" Aulenti (1927-2012). The Italian designer and architect is also known for her reconversion of a Parisian train station into the famous Musée d'Orsay and for designing the Contemporary Art Gallery at the Centre Pompidou, also in Paris.
More information: www.martinelliluce.it
