Gae Aulenti and the Parola Table Lamp
In our Design History Series we highlight iconic women in design history and their innovative work. The historic contributions of women to design are many, and we aim to increase the awareness of these contributions in order to counteract a general trend of underrepresentation. In this issue we celebrate Gae Aulenti, an Italian pioneer in industrial design and architecture and the creator of the Parola table lamp, among many other notable designs.
Architectural Beginnings
In Milan in 1954, Gae Aulenti was one of two women in a class of 20 to graduate with a degree in architecture. At a time known for reviving traditional architectural values, Aulenti’s transformative projects integrated historical spaces with contemporary sensibilities. The conversion of the Beaux-Arts Gare d’Orsay railway station in Paris into the Musée d’Orsay (1980-1986) stands as a testament to her ability to marry old-world charm with modern aesthetics. This project, while controversial at the time, solidified Aulenti’s place as the go-to architect and designer for museum renovations in the 80s, 90s, and 2000s.
Diving into Design
Aulenti became the artistic director of the design brand Fontana Arte in 1979, where she created many notable lighting and furniture designs. Aulenti’s designs were characterized by a harmonious blend of functionality and beauty. Her creations, marked by clean lines and geometric shapes, reflected a balance of form and function. She experimented with unconventional materials such as glass, steel, and plastic, further underscoring her innovative spirit. At the core of Aulenti’s design philosophy was the belief that architecture and design are integral components of everyday life, and therefore cannot be considered separately from daily rituals. She championed a holistic approach to design, emphasizing the interconnectedness of objects with their surroundings. Her designs were meant to be not single, isolated elements but parts of a bigger, unified whole.
The Parola Lamp
The Parola table lamp, one of Gae Aulenti’s most famous product designs, demonstrates her ability to blend tradition with modernity. Designed with Piero Castiglioni in 1980, the lamp uses three kinds of glass processes: blown glass, natural glass and natural crystal. The design pulls from processes all across the spectrum from artisan to industrial, making each lamp a testament to Aulenti’s admiration for Italian craftsmanship and quality. The dimmable light is diffused through the frosted spherical blown glass shade. A diagonal cut on the top of the sphere creates a distinctly asymmetrical form, which can be rotated to direct the strongest light. The frosted blown glass shade rests on a clear borosilicate glass stem rising from a polished crystal glass base. Its sleek silhouette and minimalist design reflect a mid-century modern sensibility, while its adjustable shade offers tailored functionality. The lamp has sold continuously since its launch and is still available for purchase.
Gae Aulenti pushed for a holistic approach to design that feels entirely fresh and contemporary to us today but which was rebellious and pioneering in her time. From her groundbreaking renovation of the Musée d’Orsay to her innovative lighting and furniture designs, Aulenti’s designs continue to inspire. Her emphasis on the interconnectedness of objects with their surroundings serves as a reminder of the power of this holistic philosophy as we work on our own projects. In celebrating Gae Aulenti, we recognize her as a visionary in the history of design and applaud her commitment to excellence.
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