Artemide: The Human Light

Artemide is one of the most well-known illumination brands in the world, standing out as a leader in light design and high-quality manufacturing. Collaborating with the most famous international designers such as Naoto Fukasawa, David Chipperfield, and Zaha Hadid, Artemide has made many contributions in the history of international design.

Artemide’s commitment to technological innovation and research has been recognized through numerous accolades including the Compasso d’Oro, The Best of the Best by Red Dot Design, iF Design Award by World Design Guide, and Wallpaper Magazine Design Award. Their extensive portfolio of patents for their technological, mechanical, and opto-electrical solutions demonstrates their dedication to pioneering advancements.

Today, Artemide continues to be in the forefront of lighting design, with an unparalleled commitment to technological innovation, research, and human interaction. Read on to discover the rich history behind the brand.

Corporate Philosophies

The Human Light

Artemide is known for its philosophy of “The Human Light”, putting people at the core of light. Every light is made to service its user and fulfill our needs for flexibility and adaptability. The goal behind all product developments is to improve quality of life on a lasting basis.

The original poster for “The Human Light” philosophy 

The Responsible Light

As an early proponent of LED technology, Artemide is committed to sustainability, seeking to minimize energy consumption and waste through a product’s life cycle. Ongoing research is being done to develop lighting systems with maximal energy efficiency, prioritizing optimum light output and minimal consumption of resources with each product. 

Artemide is dedicated to protecting our environment.

Icons of Modern Italian Design

Among all of Artemide’s products, there are two standout designs, regarded today as icons of modern Italian design.

Tolomeo

Designed by Michele De Lucchi and Giancarlo Fassinam, the Tolomeo is made for fully adjustable direction of light, made possible with a spring mechanism. This simple, flexible lamp guarantees perfect stillness while also being able to be moved with one hand. As a modernization of the traditional arm lamp, the Tolomeo combines functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability, into one timeless design.

The original sketch of the Tolomeo from 1986 and the classic Tolomeo Table Lamp

Tizio

Designed by Richard Sapper, Tizio is a fully adjustable table lamp designed to illuminate the entire work surface while saving space. Tizio is kept balanced at all times by counterweights. With a transformer at the base, electricity runs through the arms, allowing for a slender lamp with a clean design. Today, Tizio is a symbol of quality, functionality, and elegance.

Richard Sapper, the designer, and the classic Tizio Table Lamp

Both the Tolomeo and the Tizio are included in the permanent collections of The Metropolitan Museum of Art and The Museum of Modern Art.

History

1960s

Artemide was founded in 1960 by Ernesto Gismondi and Sergio Mazza in Milan, Italy. The first lamp, Alfa was created, designed by Sergio Mazza.

In 1967, the Eclisse Table Lamp, designed by Vico Magistretti, won the Compasso d’Oro Award for its inventive design. Inspired by eclipses and phases of the moon, you can adjust the light intensity of Eclisse by rotating the inner shade.

1970s

In 1972, Tizio was created, the first lamp with a halogen light source. This lamp became a worldwide symbol of Italian design.

In the same year, the first manufacturing facility was opened in Pregnana Milanese. This facility is still the company headquarters today. 

1980s

In 1980, Artemide opened its first subsidiary in the United States.

In 1987, the iconic Tolomeo was launched, becoming an icon of made-in-Italy design. Tolomeo won the Compasso d’Oro two years later.

1990s

In 1995, Artemide received the prestigious Compasso d’Oro Award for Lifetime Achievement, recognizing the company for its continuous contributions to the industry.

2000s

In 2000, the first two LED lamps, Sui and Kaio, were designed, respectively, by Carlotta de Bevilacqua (the current CEO and President of Artemide) and Ernesto Gismondi. This began the LED Revolution.

In 2006, Artemide introduced the My White Light line, based on years of research into tunable white technology. Tunable white lighting allows you to control the temperature of the light source.

2010s

In 2014, the historical brand Danese Milano became part of the Artemide Group. Danese Milano makes design objects such as art prints, candlestick holders, desk accessories, and more.

In 2016, Artemide began its research on Li-Fi, light that can be used for data transmission.

In 2017, the Artemide app was presented, an intuitive system that works with products in the Artemide collection.

In 2018, Ernesto Gismondi won the Compasso d’Oro Career award. As an aerospace engineer, university professor, and the founder of Artemide, Gismondi is a man of many talents. In the same year, the Discovery Suspension he designed won the Compasso d’Oro as well. The Discovery Suspension has a transparent diffuser panel, so the volume of the lamp is only perceived when it's on.

2020s

In 2020, Artemide presented INTEGRALIS®, a patented light technology that combines sanitizing effectiveness with lighting performance and beautiful design. This technology can be integrated into various Artemide products for microbial growth control and antimicrobial function.

Present Day

Today, Artemide operates through 24 subsidiaries. Its network includes 55 branded showrooms around the world, with products being distributed in 98 countries. With five manufacturing units in Italy, France, Hungary, and Canada, two glass-works, and one Research & Development center, the Artemide Group currently has more than 640 employees.

The Artemide Showroom in Toronto, ON

The Artemide collections today convey a unique mix of values: the approach to human and responsible light going hand in hand with design and combining next-generation technology with ancient wisdoms.

Our Favorite Artemide Designs

With their rich history and extensive product range, Artemide has some unique, beautiful designs that are sure to add a luxurious charm to your home. Here are our favorites:

Chlorophilia Chandelier The Chlorophilia Chandelier looks stunning with gentle curves and its distinct framework. The cast aluminum lighting unit shines light upwards onto the “leaves”, which release indirect light and create a radiant pattern on the ceiling when lit up.

NH Collection The NH collection by Neri&Hu for Artemide offers a reinterpretation of the Oriental culture and tradition with a constant contemporary approach. By distilling the light down to a few basic elements, NH creates a landscape, a non-static balanced composition with surprising lightness.

Mercury Collection The Mercury Collection has an unconventional look: a series of large pebbles floating under an aluminum disc. This sculptural light is composed of reflective units, which pings the light back and forth, reflecting natural light during the day.

Stellar Nebula Suspension Stellar Nebula, with its space-like form, adds magic, wonder, and curiosity to any space. Created with innovative vision and Artemide know-how, Stellar Nebula has an ingenious production process combining hand-blown artistry and industrial production to make uniqueness and seriality coincide.

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Loving these designs? You can explore all of Artemide’s products here.

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