Conceived by Achille Castiglioni and Pio Manzù, Parentesi is a suspension lamp designed in 1970 and produced by Flos the following year. This version includes a dimmer to adjust the light intensity. Extraordinary, essential, bright. The Parentesi lamp by Flos is one of the most emblematic icons of Italian industrial design: it embodies the formal minimalism achieved thanks to a work of subtraction, through a creative process that hunts for simplicity. First conceived by Pio Manzù, who passed away in 1969 before completing the lamp, Parentesi was redrafted by great master Achille Castiglioni. The name of this suspension lamp providing direct light is inspired by a signature metallic rod in the shape of a bracket, “parentesi” in Italian. This choice was not strictly aesthetic, but functional, and its important innovation lies in the possibility of moving the lamp with a simple gesture. Few elements merge to create a perfect lamp, characterised by the vertical movement of the luminous body through the sliding of a shaped tubular steel placed on a steel cable, stretched between the ceiling and the floor. Pio Manzù had initially designed the Parentesi lamp as a cylindrical volume capable of sliding along a rod and stopping at the desired height with a screw. Castiglioni’s Parentesi is the brilliant evolution of this project: functional, made of few elements and free from any superfluous part, the true manifesto of the form = function principle. This astonishing lighting creation won the Compasso d’Oro award in 1979, and today is exhibited at the Triennale Design Museum in Milan. The light intensity of Flos Parentesi with dimmer can be easily adjusted. PRODUCT INFORMATION Material: Steel & Injection-molded black elastomerDimensions: 400cm (max height) x 11cm (Height x Diameter)Weight: 3.57kgVoltage: 220-240VPower: 150WLight Source: Bulb (Not included)Bulb Type: E27Cable Length: 400cmIntegrated Dimmer Download Instruction Manual *Care instructions: Wipe with a clean dry cloth*Suitable for use indoors only. ABOUT THE DESIGNERS Achille Castiglioni was born in Milan in 1918 and showed an early interest in industrial production. Achille went on to study architecture and became interested in the idea of developing a complete design process after graduating in 1944. Achille later joined the design practice founded by his brothers. The studio's designs were instrumental in defining the playful intelligence for which Italian design was known in the latter half of the 20th century. The Castiglioni Brothers were also renowned for their lighting design, most famously for the Arco lamp which is still in production 60 years later. In 1956, Achille was among the founders of the ADI (Association for Industrial Design). Later, in 1969, he was authorised by the Ministry of Education to teach Artistic Design for Industry. He taught at Turin´s Faculty of Architecture until 1980 and then took a fulltime position as Professor of Industrial Design at the Politecnico di Milano until 1993. New York’s Museum of Modern Art owns 14 of his pieces. Other works can be found in important museums around the world. Pio Manzù, the pseudonym of Pio Manzoni, was born in Bergamo in 1939. He was already a promising design talent when he lost his life in a car accident in 1969, at the age of 30. Nevertheless, his brief but intense career in industrial design left its mark. As the son of the renowned sculptor Giacomo Manzù, he grew up in a context where art, crafts and the alchemy that transforms materials were part of his daily life. In 1960, after his classical studies in Milan, he moved to Ulm, Germany to study industrial design at the Hochschule für Gestaltung. The young Pio immediately distinguished himself for his prodigious talent, winning the international competition organised by Année Automobile magazine in Geneva at the age of 23 with the design of the Austin Healey 3000 car. His continuous research sought to combine technical innovation with formal values in a quest to produce original yet functional and ergonomic vehicles. ABOUT FLOS Flos, a renowned name in the world of lighting design, is known for its innovative approach and commitment to blending cutting-edge technology with artistic expression. Founded in 1962, Flos has consistently pushed the boundaries of design, creating iconic lighting pieces that are celebrated globally for their elegance, functionality, and artistic flair. From the beginning, Flos has collaborated with some of the most visionary designers, including Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Philippe Starck, and Patricia Urquiola, to create lighting solutions that transcend mere illumination and become integral elements of contemporary living spaces. Their designs are not just about light but about creating experiences and evoking emotions. Flos is committed to quality and craftsmanship, ensuring that each piece is meticulously crafted to the highest standards. The brand’s dedication to sustainability is reflected in their innovative use of materials and their ongoing efforts to minimize environmental impact. Today, Flos continues to be a household name in the industry, offering a diverse range of lighting solutions that include both timeless classics and modern masterpieces. Whether in residential settings or large-scale architectural projects, Flos remains at the forefront of lighting design, embodying a perfect blend of tradition, innovation, and artistry.
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