The Arco floor lamp was designed by Achille Castiglioni and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos in 1962. This work represents an evolution in the function and form of the pendant light, offering a solution for illuminating a dining table, desk, or relaxation area while maintaining mobility within domestic space.
The lamp’s distinctive feature is its base: a rectangular block of Carrara marble anchoring the arc-shaped metal structure. Integrated into this marble base is an aperture that serves a practical purpose beyond aesthetics—it allows for the insertion of a broom handle, enabling two people to move the lamp safely and easily across a room. This thoughtful detail reflects the designer’s attention to the everyday reality of how objects are used and inhabited.
About the Castiglioni brothers
Achille Castiglioni (1918–2002) was an influential Italian designer and architect associated with modernist design practice. His collaborative work with his brother Pier Giacomo produced numerous significant objects and installations that merged functional innovation with refined aesthetic language.
Details
- Designers: Achille Castiglioni, Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
- Manufacturer: Flos
- Year: 1962
- Base material: Carrara marble
- Collections: MoMA New York, Triennale Milano
Frequently asked questions
Who designed the Arco lamp?
The lamp was designed by brothers Achille Castiglioni and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni and produced by the Italian lighting manufacturer Flos.
Why does the marble base have a hole in it?
The aperture in the marble base is functional: it permits insertion of a broom handle, allowing two people to move the lamp conveniently from one location to another.
Where can the Arco lamp be seen?
The lamp is held in the collections of MoMA in New York and the Triennale Milano.