The Arco Floor Lamp

In an occasional series of blog posts to mark our 50th Anniversary, we are highlighting some of the iconic masterpieces of 20th Century design that were first introduced to the UK market by Aram Designs.

Arco Floor Lamp

Designed by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni in 1962

Introduced to the UK market by Aram Designs in 1965

In 1962, Achille (1918–2002) and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni (1913–1968) produced what has probably come to be their best known design: the Arco Floor Lamp.  The idea came to them through the challenge of a practical problem - how to provide a ceiling lamp that would not require the drilling of a hole in the ceiling?  Achille's motto, "design demands observation" proved accurate, for it was a street lamp that gave the brothers their inspiration.

In adapting their design for domestic use, the Castiglioni brothers were able to illuminate objects eight feet away from the lamp's base – far enough to light the centre of a dining table – by inserting a steel arch into the solid marble base.  The overall span of the arch is formed to provide enough space for one person carrying a tray to pass behind someone sitting at the table.  They also ensured that the heavy (64kg) base could be more easily moved by placing a hole in the marble through which a broom handle could be inserted and carried by two people.

Since its inception, the genuine Arco has been made in Italy by Flos. The only change to its original design has been the introduction of an LED light source to bring the lamp in line with new energy use norms. This version and the original are both available from Aram.

Myles Brown