067
LUMIERE
LUMIERE 1990
Rodolfo Dordoni
A reinterpretation of the classic table
lamp with lampshade, Lumiere was
designed by Rodolfo Dordoni in 1990.
It is a fine example of one of the
tendencies of contemporary design,
to reinterpret the “forms of memory”:
objects which are deeply rooted in their
use and diffusion, whose
reinterpretation appears quite
recognizable and easy to accept. Dordoni
captured this type of attention, forcing it
in a technological direction with his
metallic tripod solution and the new
combination of materials.
Still one of Foscarini’s top sellers,
Lumiere is supported by a slender
structure, at the top of which three
incandescent bulbs are fastened one in
front of the other to avoid casting
shadows on the shade. The same tripod
support, made in a single piece, die-
cast in a special aluminum alloy,
finished and polished by hand, gives
stability to a slightly flared glass shade
held by a simple screw at the top. Great
care is taken to ensure the harmonious
matching of two different materials.
The choice of an essential form for the
blown glass, acid-finished on the outer
surface, is complemented by a careful
study of colors to obtain diversified
lighting effects: the inside layer remains
white to favor reflection, whereas the
outer layer becomes red to accent the
light on the table top, or white, green or
peach yellow for a diffused light in
space. Lumiere was also declined in the
floor and suspended versions, using the
shade in an upside-down position.
It documents the direction taken by
Dordoni in other models he created
during those years, such as Fruits, Bijou,
Buds and Blossoms, where the
harmonious appearance derived from
the successful proportioning between
glass shades characterized by extreme
formal simplicity and mountings
boasting a distinctive design.
In the history of Foscarini, Lumiere
represents the symbol of an up-to-date
design language brought in by the
independent designers who began
collaborating with the company, and
contributed to improving the quality of
the products and strengthening the
brand impact.
across:
a study of the base of Lumiere, Rodolfo
Dordoni, 1990
