Introduction and Designer Biography

Sergio Asti (1926–2021) was a pioneering Italian architect and industrial designer, notable for his early contributions to Industrial Design in the 1950s. A graduate of the Milan Polytechnic, he was an assistant professor of Interior Architecture and a founding member of ADI (Associazione per il Disegno Industriale). Asti taught design courses in Italy and Japan, participated in international conferences and juries, and received numerous prestigious awards including the Compasso d’Oro and recognition from MoMA New York and other international institutions. His works are held in major museums and private collections worldwide.

Historical Context and Relationship with Martinelli Luce

The Visiere lamp was proposed by Sergio Asti on June 24, 1968, to Elio Martinelli, founder of Martinelli Luce. The collaboration began through a mutual connection with Poltronova’s owner, a key figure in Italian design innovation. The lamp was initially designed for fluorescent circular tubes, reflecting early concerns for energy efficiency. The production involved complex moulding processes, especially for the semi-spherical base component. This project marked the start of a long-term friendship and professional relationship between Asti and Martinelli Luce, leading to other designs such as the Profiterolle lamp with a fibreglass diffuser. The Visiere lamp was out of production for some years but was reissued as a signed and numbered edition, fulfilling a promise made to Asti before his passing in 2021.

Product Description and Technical Specifications

The Visiere lamp features three overlapping hemispheres that create a soft, diffused light with varying tones, producing a play of light and shadow that promotes relaxation and reflection. It is an indirect light source designed to enhance ambient atmosphere.

• Materials: White painted aluminium elements fixed to a central support pin via a knob.
• Base: Semi-spherical, wired with four lamp holders.
• Light Source: Four E27 LED bulbs, 15W each.
• Dimensions: Diameter 56 cm, height 36 cm.
• Protection Rating: IP20 (suitable for indoor use).

The lamp’s design emphasizes energy efficiency and aesthetic softness, combining functional innovation with elegant form.

Manufacturing and Design Notes

The production required specialized moulds, particularly for the base which covers three-quarters of a sphere and needed a decomposable mould for manufacturing. The lamp’s design and production details were meticulously documented in executive drawings specifying materials, colors, and light sources, reflecting the precision typical of the era.

Company and Contact Information

Martinelli Luce reserves the right to modify the lamp design without prior notice. The company is based in Lucca, Italy, with showrooms and contact details provided for further inquiries.

Key Contacts:
Martinelli Luce Spa, Via Teresa Bandettini, 55100 Lucca, Italy
Phone: +39 0583 418315
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.martinelliluce.it