For many years now, Atollo has no longer been a lamp, or rather, it has no longer been just a lamp. It has become a myth, an icon. One of the best know symbols of Italian design worldwide.
Pictured: Atollo in White Metal
Originally designed in 1977, the Atollo lamp is perhaps Vico Magistretti’s most famous design and effectively sums up his entire design approach to lighting. For many years now, Atollo has no longer been a lamp, or rather, it has no longer been just a lamp. It has become a myth, an icon. One of the best know symbols of Italian design worldwide. One of the very few products which people recognise and call with its own name.
Pictured: Atollo in White Glass
2020 marked the centenary of the birth of Vico Magistretti, one of the most important architects and designers in the history of Italian design. In his career, he has won the Compasso D’Oro three times: the first in 1967 with the Eclisse lamp by Artemide, the second in 1979 with the Maralunga sofa by Cassina and the third, in the same year, for the Oluce Atollo lamp. For many years, Magistretti was the art director and chief designer of the Oluce company, defining his unmistakable stamp and a legacy of worldwide recognition.
Pictured: Atollo in Black Metal
In the design of Atollo, Magistretti shows great skill in obtaining essential compositions through the combination of different geometric shapes. He once said, “I love geometric shapes. I love creating essential shapes.” The stunningly minimal light enhances and is enhanced by the simple geometric form of the overall construction. It has no unnecessary frills or features. This characterises most of Vico Magistretti’s lamps. Elegant proportions and stylistic composure make them perfect “domestic characters”.
Pictured: Atollo in Brass Metal
The Oluce Atollo table lamp is composed of two main parts. Firstly, the pattern of simple geometric figures. It seems to translate the old-fashioned lampshade into a small abstract structure. Thanks to its perfectly balanced overall proportions.
Pictured: Atollo in Bronze Metal
The interplay of the light, which is concealed beneath the cap, leaves the latter in the shade on the outside. While it lights up brightly both the inside and upper conical element of the base from which the vertical cylinder emerges.
This creates both direct and indirect light. Which reflects around the surroundings with various degrees of intensity. The bearing structure and cap are connected by a very thin attachment. It makes the cap look almost as if it is suspended in the air.
Pictured: Atollo in White Glass