248 LAMPS. OPINIONS BY GIANFRANCO MARABESE AND FEDERICO PERI

GIANFRANCO MARABESE ‒ The evolution of lighting has come a long way. First there was the long period of incandescent bulbs, and then came halogen lighting. LEDs made the light more accentuated, and even brought a revolution. They made miniaturisation possible and gave designers the opportunity to design the lighting whilst keeping the source, that’s to say the physical object, hidden from sight. But the most important evolution came via the ability to ‘control’ light: to point it wherever it was needed, personalise it, and – above all – not waste it. 2‒ So, we’re certainly not at the beginning, but we have a big space ahead of us: the evolution of LEDs is making it possible to improve lighting even more, in terms of its qualities and performance, whilst keeping an eye on consumption and sustainability. Which is all the more evident, perhaps, in outdoor lighting, where it has to be more efficient, with better visual comfort and less light pollution. To sum it up: we must respect the darkness. 3‒ My Archetto Space light fitting by Antonangeli came from a desire to give designers a ‘pencil of light’: the ability to stretch out extremely lightweight structures in space, apply high-performance luminous segments of different lengths, and move them so as to change how the light is distributed, depending on the requirements and the layout. It enables us to open up new scenarios and infinite creative opportunities not only for those who design, but also for users. 4‒ How should you ‘choose light’? I would suggest that the public should opt for whatever they like the most. The pleasure of light passes through many different factors. But the first thing to think about is where to put the lighting points. And then, since there are absolutely no rules, you should use whatever affects you emotionally because light is a ‘sensory’ thing, and is also absolutely individual. Apart from one or two rules that should be respected (being careful about how many lumens, for example), you should be amazed by your lighting, every day.

FEDERICO PERI ‒ From flaming torches to oil lanterns, lighting up the dark is a primary human need. Edison’s light bulb created incandescence: pure function. Then came the desire for decoration, followed by lighting design as a technique, which came halfway through the 20th century. The arrival of the microscopic LED liberated the form of light fittings, creating a minimalist school and a more ornamental tendency, which is the one to which I belong. Tomorrow, things will be going in the direction of responsive lighting that modulates with the changing times of day. 2‒ Whilst I was waiting for interactive lighting to come along, I returned to the idea of the oil lamp for my Galerie range by FontanaArte. The glass diffuser is coated with two layers of amber and white, which recreate the flame effect. The handle became a tailored accessory made from leather. In my limited edition hanging lamps for Nilufar, I focussed on hand-blown transparencies: the Charlotte model displays graduated nuances, whilst the Shapes consist of opaline globes and brass structures. Precious materials that make emotional lamps come to life. 3‒ Before I think about the shape of a lamp, I define the typology and the light output, with visual comfort as the objective. To make people feel good, I use design and technology (although I bend them to suit the décor). I choose the light sources that are most suitable for that model, and I also prefer to design a dimmer for regulating the brightness - because our perception is not the same from morning to evening - whilst I’m also thinking about materials, lampshades, inclinations, and ergonomics. It’s only then that I look for the magic, letting myself succumb to aesthetic and creative pleasure. 4‒ Be careful about your lighting. Blue or white light is cold and intense, and stimulates the eye; it should be used in workspaces or transit areas like studios, entrances, and corridors. But if the gradation of the LED is ice-cold, you’ll be risking the aquarium effect. Give preference to warm, soft, restful lighting. Vary the sources in each room between direct (day) and indirect (evening). And integrate the classic ceiling light at the centre of the room with floor lamps and tabletop models, which if you turn them on at sundown, will create a relaxing atmosphere.