As a lecturer at the Politecnico di Milano in the 1980s, Achille Castiglioni would implore his students to "Start from scratch. Stick to common sense. Know your goals and means." He clearly took his own advice when he, with his elder brother Pier Giacomo, designed the dramatic Arco Floor Lamp (1962). Inspired by a streetlight, the Arco cleverly provides overhead lighting without requiring ceiling suspension, its polished shade extending eight feet to accommodate a dining table or sofa beneath the light source. Aware that the 78-pound lamp would be difficult to move, the designers smartly placed a hole in the base to accommodate a broom handle. They also gave the Arco an adjustable arc and swiveling shade for precise lighting control. As groovy as it is elegant, the lamp's iconic status was sealed when it appeared on screen alongside Sean Connery in Diamonds Are Forever and in The Italian Job (apropos). The Arco is included in the permanent collection at MoMA. Bulb (included): incandescent 100W/120V/A21SB. Made in Italy.
Carrara marble base; stainless steel arc; spun aluminum shade.