GAE AULENTI, 1965
Object
The famous Pipistrello Lamp by Gae Aulenti, designed in 1965, is an iconic project by the great Italian designer. It is an object that defined the taste of the 1960s and has remained a classic of design for decades.
The Pipistrello lamp is immediately recognizable by its distinctive shape, reminiscent of a bat about to take flight, with its wings poised to spread. The style of the lamp is Art Nouveau, in stark contrast to the rationalist forces dominating the Milanese scene at the time.
Formally, the lamp is structured architecturally, like a column. The metal base, the shaft represented by the telescopic arm, and then the capital, which is the diffuser.
Gae Aulenti created the lamp to illuminate an Olivetti store she was designing, but her ambition also extended to creating a product for a cultured and bourgeois audience (a term much more commonly used at the time) that could appreciate the harmony of forms that blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment.
The History of the Pipistrello Lamp
The story of the Pipistrello lamp begins when the Olivetti group commissioned Gae Aulenti to design two prestigious new locations: one in Buenos Aires and another in Paris.
During those years, Adriano Olivetti led the company with a strong aesthetic sensitivity that was evident both in the design of all his products and in the visionary architecture of his showrooms—one of the many important examples being Carlo Scarpa’s showroom in Piazza San Marco, Venice. This was, therefore, a prestigious opportunity.
For this occasion, Aulenti envisioned recreating an Italian piazza within the showroom, with the idea of establishing a classic public meeting point. The Pipistrello lamp was designed to illuminate this piazza and was later produced in series by Elio Martinelli for his company, Martinelli Luce.
Since then, the Pipistrello lamp has remained in production, with Martinelli Luce updating its materials and production techniques. They have also introduced a mini version and a Pop version with bright colors. However, Aulenti’s original design remains unchanged.
The Pipistrello Lamp in Museums
The Pipistrello lamp has had a significant cultural impact and is one of the objects that can be identified as icons of 1960s Italian design, a golden era for Italy’s design heritage.
Today, it symbolizes a retro and sophisticated design and is often found in the homes of artists and those interested in culture.
The Pipistrello is part of numerous design museum collections worldwide, including the MoMA in New York, the Triennale di Milano, the MET, the Centre Pompidou, and many others.
Gae Aulenti
Gae Aulenti (1927-2012) was a prominent figure in Italian architecture and design. Known for her multidisciplinary vision, she left an indelible mark on the modern design landscape. Her work ranged from urban furniture to interior design, with notable achievements such as the Pipistrello lamp and the design of the Musée d’Orsay in Paris.
Martinelli Luce
Martinelli Luce is an Italian pioneer in the lighting sector, founded in 1950 by Elio Martinelli in Lucca. Known for its significant collaborations, including Gae Aulenti with the Pipistrello lamp, Martinelli Luce has helped define the contemporary lighting design landscape.
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Details
Martinelli Luce
Dimensions:
- Height, adjustable: 66-86 cm.
- Diameter: 55 cm.
Structure Material: stainless steel.
- Structure Color: dark brown, white, purple red, glossy black, copper, titanium, agave green, satin brass.
Diffuser Material: white opal methacrylate.
- Diffuser color: white
