Let There Be Light
By Jo Phillips
One of mans greatest successes, it can easily be argued, was the invention of the electric light. Without this wonderful glare of brightness, own worlds would be very dull. It did not take long before industrial designers included the visual representation of them within their repertoire. In ‘let there be light’ Massimiliano Tosetto, the third generation of the Tosetto family, of the Lodes brand gives us a rundown of just of few of his favourite light design classics; a little personal insight from within the world of lighting design.
Flower Pot by Verner Panton for Louis Poulsen, 1968
The Danish cultural approach is often associated with the contemporary Italian one. In this composition, the theme of the sphere is completely rethought and enriched by two elements that transform the volume of the object: pure colour and the light source that never dazzles. The simplicity of the single product is associated with the structure that houses 12 lights.
Gino Sarfatti collection 2072 for Arteluce 1953
Pure elemental shapes come alive in a composition thanks to the colours and the frame, which becomes an integral part of the character of the lamp.
Jefferson by Luca Nichetto for Lodes, 2019
The Jefferson suspension lamp designed by Luca Nichetto is reminiscent of music and iconic images in psychedelic works of art from the 1960s. The vortex motif.
Kelly by Andrea Tosetto for Lodes, 2015
Seductive beauty with a bold personality thanks to the strong and precise laser cuts, which lighten the metal of the lampshade and create an intriguing play of light and shadow. Kelly is a multifaceted family of suspension and wall lamps that stand out with elegance in any living space thanks to the variety of available forms and finishes.
LS 120 Pendant Carlo Nason for Mazzega
An example of how the mastery and heritage of Murano glass, linked to the splendours of the past, become contemporary through the formal dialogue of the parts.
Nautilus by Andrea Tosetto for Lodes, 2017
Strong design and leading–edge technology come together in this family of lamps characterised by a convex lens that projects the LED light wherever it’s needed or most preferred, for a truly efficient and personalised result. Versatile and dynamic, either on the wall, ceiling or suspended in a variety of versions and finishes, Nautilus lamps satisfy a full range of lighting needs, whether functional or purely decorative, in both residential and professional contexts.
Random by Chia-Ying Lee Lodes, 2017
Random is a magic suspension that consists of three spherical blown glass diffusers, which form a lively and seemingly randomly achieved entity. Each glass diffuser is equipped with an embedded led light source, which provides warm white light. The three glass spheres forming the light are of different sizes and each suspends from a thin cable.
Sky-Fall Lodes, 2014
In Sky–Fall, the traditional glass processing techniques embrace the most advanced LED technologies. The shape of Sky–Fall captures the imagination in its reminiscence of ancient decanters in precious blown glass. Its function amazes thanks to the innovative double LED source that diffuses direct and indirect light. Available in two sizes and in five finishes, Sky–Fall decorates both when it is on and when it is off.
Tokujin Yoshioka ToFU for Yamagiwa Corporation, 2000
It is a poetic object in which form and material dialogue. A product that has not had much commercial success, but has become a reference for Japanese sensitivity about light.
Ya Ya Ho Ingo Maurer for Yamagiwa Corporation, 2000
An example of constructive genius and composition of the elements. It represents a benchmark of excellence because it leaves the user the utmost compositional and functional freedom, being able to change the light in the space at will.
A little about Lodes and their light design classics world.
Lodes has been designing and producing lighting since 1950. In this their 70th anniversary year, Studio Italia Design changes to the company name to Lodes, led by General Manager Massimiliano Tosetto, the third generation of the Tosetto family
Originating in founder Angelo Tosetto’s passion for glass founded a lighting company in Venice, the heart of Italy’s glassmaking region.
Informed by continuous technological research, the company has evolved into one of Europe’s leading designers and manufacturers of decorative lighting, currently present in 90 markets worldwide.
“We have been studying light, designing for light and with light all these decades. We can say that we learn from light, and I assure you that light always has plenty to teach us. Our family heritage is deeply connected to our territory: which is Venice, the shiny tesserae of mosaics, the reflections of the lagoon, the squares of the Venetian cities, bustling with merchants and energy. In 2020 we celebrate our 70th anniversary and Studio Italia Design becomes Lodes.”
Massimiliano Tosetto, General Manager Lodes
If you enjoyed “Let there be Light”, this article on light design classics then why not read Drawing Music here.
