Michele de Lucchi, 2015
Object
The Moka Pulcina is a sculptural, compact aluminum espresso maker, produced by Alessi and designed by Michele De Lucchi in 2015.
The piece offers a contemporary interpretation of the moka archetype, with a silhouette shaped by a series of horizontal bands that emphasize its volume and give it the appearance of a small domestic sculpture. The form draws inspiration from the isobars found in architectural maps that De Lucchi was studying at the time.
Its spout, sharp and slender, inspired the name Pulcina, which De Lucchi chose spontaneously after seeing the final model. A made-up name, lighthearted and lively, it aligns with Alessi’s spirit. Yet it carries meaning: “Objects are male and female too, and that is no minor detail,” De Lucchi wrote, pointing to how even an everyday object can reflect broader and deeper themes within contemporary design.
Pulcina is a domestic object that tells a story, bringing together function, narrative, and cultural reflection.
A Project by Michele De Lucchi, Illy and Alessi
Pulcina is the result of a refined design process developed in collaboration between Michele De Lucchi, Alessi, and Illy’s technical team.
The aim was to improve coffee extraction by interrupting the flow at the optimal moment to avoid bitter notes. The rounded interior of the boiler, carefully shaped in every detail, uses air pressure to push water through the coffee, enhancing the quality of the espresso.
The reservoir was designed to promote even heat distribution. The outer bands, inspired by the contour lines of topographic maps De Lucchi was studying while drawing mountains, help maintain a stable temperature.
A wide base ensures stability even on larger burners, while the thermoplastic handle offers both safety and ease of use. De Lucchi describes it as “a perfect machine… and a beautiful one,” capable of turning a daily ritual into an act of conscious design and poetic significance.
Pulcina: Awards
In 2016, the Moka Pulcina received the prestigious GOOD DESIGN Award in the Best Consumer Design Products category, presented by the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design in the United States. One of the most respected honors in international design, the award recognized Pulcina’s ability to combine technical innovation, formal research, and aesthetic quality. It affirmed the coffee maker’s status as a domestic design icon and a successful example of dialogue between industry, creativity, and culture.
Alessi
Founded in Italy in 1921, Alessi is a leading manufacturer in the design of kitchen utensils and household items. Known for collaborations with world-renowned designers like Jasper Morrison and Richard Sapper, Alessi combines functionality, innovation, and unique aesthetics, transforming everyday objects into works of art. Its creations are exhibited in design museums worldwide.
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Details
Alessi
The original version of Michele De Lucchi’s iconic Pulcina espresso maker is available at Farfetch.com >
- 1-cup coffee maker: Ø 7.2 cm, h. 16 cm
- 3-cup coffee maker: Ø 9 cm, h. 21 cm
- 6-cup coffee maker: Ø 10.8 cm, h. 25 cm
Materials:
- cast aluminum
- knob and handle in polyamide
