Compasso d'Oro Award Winners
Founded in 1954, the Compasso d’Oro (Golden Compass) is the oldest, most recognized, and respected award in the industrial design industry. Every two years, an international jury of designers, journalists, and critics (the Association for Industrial Design) look for absolute excellence in innovation, technique, and approach. With the goal of acknowledging and promoting the quality of Made in Italy, the Compasso d'Oro has become the highest honour of industrial design.
Join us as we discover the story behind these featured Compasso d’Oro winners and their iconic designs.
1. Eclisse Table Lamp by Artemide, 1967
Eclisse, designed by Vico Magistretti, is an avant-garde balance between form and function. Inspired by the phases of the moon, you are able to adjust the light intensity of Eclisse through its rotating inner shade that “eclipses” the light source. With a fixed outer shell and a moveable inner shell, the lamp can provide direct or diffused light. Eclisse is part of the permanent collection of the most important design museums, such as the MoMa in New York and the Triennale Design Museum in Milan.
2. Atollo Table Lamp by Oluce, 1979
Also designed by Vico Magistretti, Atollo is a timeless masterpiece. Since its creation in 1977, Atollo has been an icon, revolutionizing the way we imagine the classic bedside lamp. Its versatility to be placed in any room makes it a cherished classic that continues to illuminate contemporary living spaces with sophistication. Atollo has become a symbol of Italian design excellence, earning its place in the permanent collections of prestigious museums worldwide, such as the MoMA in New York and the Neue Sammlung Museum in Munich.
3. Tolomeo Table Lamp by Artemide, 1989
Tolomeo is an iconic lamp by Artemide, designed by Michele De Lucchi and Giancarlo Fassinam. The Tolomeo is made for fully adjustable direction of light, made possible with a spring mechanism. Each version of the Tolomeo is simple and flexible, guaranteeing 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.
4. Counterbalance Wall Sconce by Luceplan, 2014
Counterbalance is a statement wall sconce that appears to defy the laws of physics, balancing between form and function. This LED lamp light is equipped with a fluid balancing system using gear wheels to move and position it as you desire. The counterweight ensures stability of the diffuser and allows for smooth movement of the long arm.
5. Mite Floor Light by Foscarini, 2001
Designed by Marc Sadler, Mite is one of Foscarini’s biggest innovations. Two years of research went into Mite, specifically, making a new material called Kevlar®, an innovative mix of fibreglass and carbon fibre. Mite won the Compasso d'Oro for "decisive technological innovation" a year after its creation.
6. Discovery Suspension by Artemide, 2018
The Discovery Suspension has a minimalist profile, unobtrusive and seemingly completely transparent. Its volume is only perceived when it is switched on; the LEDs in the outer rim inject light into the central diffuser surface, filling the light like magic. This unique optical solution is patented, producing a precise light output that ensures perfect visual comfort.
7. Ascent Table Lamp by Luceplan, 2016
Featuring a sleek design with minimal detailing, Ascent creates a dramatic look. By moving the shade up and down, you can experience infinite shades of light intensity. With its precise axial diameter, controlled by electronics in the shade, circuits on the stem send input to a microprocessor that reacts to your vertical movement and adjusts the light flow.
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These incredible lighting designs have shown that winning the Compasso d’Oro is a true testament to outstanding innovation and design. We hope you enjoyed exploring the Compasso d’Oro winners with us!
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