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BAGUE
BAGUE 2003
Patricia Urquiola and Eliana Gerotto
rotto
Patricia Urquiola and Eliana Gerotto
drew inspiration for their table lamp
from the shape of a ring to slip on the
finger. The first model of Bague was a
shape made out of cardboard, similar
to the one now in production, presented
with a sample of a possible
construction material never before used
to make a lamp, a silicone-covered
mesh, a preview of the lighting and
perceptive effect they imagined.
The result, after several attempts at
bending, cutting and fastening the
material, was a fixture whose structural
support and shade were constituted by
a stretched metal mesh painted white,
light grey or black, whose surface was
covered in transparent silicone resin, to
diffuse a soft filtered light. A thick
plexiglass shield covering the body of
the lamp became a sort of luminous
“stopper”, to cut glare and increase the
propagation of light upwards.
On the contrary, the table top is lit
directly, without protective barriers,
by the incandescent (100 watt) light
source installed within the frame.
Produced in two sizes, one elongated
version, the other with reduced
dimensions, it relegates the entry of the
electric wire to the side, where it enters
through a specifically designed round
transparent fastener, to avoid
compromising the fixture’s formal
design.
Based on a precise figurative reference,
Bague nevertheless adopts an original
construction mode which unites the
lamp’s base and shade into a single
continuous form. And initiates an
exploration not only of the perceptive
qualities of light, but also into the
tactile qualities of the material, working
through contrasts: the mesh core
transmits an idea of softness though it
remains rigid to the touch and
constitutes the skeleton of the object,
the resin on top mitigates the typically
rigid look of metal.
Bague thus embodies Foscarini’s
specific interest in lamps which are
technically well developed and produced
without compromising their formal and
visual emotional quality.
across:
drawings, Patricia Urquiola, 2003
from top.
models of the structure-diffuser, 2003
