Pio Manzu designed the Fiat 127. Castiglioni had heard of his work but had never met him. His widow showed him some sketches and Castiglioni was intrigued. One of the sketches featured a cylinder with slots for light to enter. The cylinder was mounted on a rod that spanned the ceiling and floor, with a screw attached to the top.
Flos
The design of the Flos Parentesi is based on a design by the late Pio Manzu, who was also known for his Fiat 127. Castiglioni, a former engineer, was familiar with Manzu’s work and was able to see sketches made by his widow. He was intrigued by the idea of a cylinder with slots, which sat on a rod running from the ceiling to the floor. The cylinder could move up and down, and make half turns.
Flos designers chose colors from both the Manzu and Castiglioni families to create a timeless design. The 50th anniversary edition is colored orange, a color used by Manzu for many of his projects at Fiat. Castiglioni, meanwhile, used turquoise for many of his projects. His daughter was able to bring the original door from her family home for the Flos Parentesi.
Achille Castiglioni
The inspiration for the Parentesi’s design began when the late Italian designer Pio Manzu died too young. Castiglioni, who knew Manzu’s work, was contacted by his widow, who showed him some sketches. One sketch, showing a cylindrical tin with slots resting on a rod that connected the floor and ceiling, intrigued the designer.
The Parentesi lamp is an iconic piece of Italian industrial design. It consists of a nickel-plated tube that slides along a steel cable and pivots to direct the light upwards or downwards. It was created to showcase the principle of form-function, which requires the creation of a minimalist design that only makes use of the elements that are necessary.
Pio Manzu
The idea for the Flos Parentesi was inspired by the design of a Fiat 127, which was designed by Italian designer Pio Manzu. Though the designer died too soon, Castiglioni had seen his sketches and was intrigued. He imagined a cylindrical tin with slots, which rested on a rod from floor to ceiling and could move up and down.
The lamp’s design derived from this idea, but it changed significantly in its final form. The tin became a simple bulb, and the tin pole was replaced with a metal line. Instead of a screw, the tin became a tubular, which caused friction along the line, preventing the lamp from being placed in the proper position. In the end, a boat tensioner was used to keep the line taut.
Flos Technicians
The first retail store for Flos was opened in 1968. Designed by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, it is located at 9 Corso Monforte. The building was built between 1963 and 1966. At the time, the total retail space was approximately 40,000 square feet. The design of the retail store was intended to be flexible and support the company’s various digital channels.
Flos’ mission was to revolutionize the lighting industry and utilize new materials. The company’s early designs, based on the patented “cocoon floss” polyamide, were futuristic and bold. Products such as the Viscontea Lamp, the Taraxacum Chandelier, and the Gato Table Light were created by the company.
Flos Parentesi Suspension
The Parentesi design was born out of the premature death of designer Pio Manzu, best known for designing the Fiat 127. Designer Castiglioni was familiar with Manzu’s work, and when he saw sketches by his widow, he was instantly intrigued. One of the sketches showed a cylindrical tin that rested on a long rod from floor to ceiling, and could move up and down and make half-turns.
The design of the Parentesi was influenced by the aesthetics of both the Manzu and Castiglioni. The first version of the Parentesi light, which was released in 1971, was a fusion of these two designers’ visions. The light was meant to strike a balance between function and form. It was meant to act both as a floor lamp and a suspension lamp. The lamp’s bracket, which is attached to the ceiling, features an integrated socket for a reflector flood bulb. It comes in several finishes and is manufactured by Flos.
Flos Parentesi Floor Lamp
The Flos Parentesi Floor Lamp is a unique piece of lighting design that is attached between the floor and ceiling by a steel cable. It plugs into the mains just like a normal floor lamp and is adjustable in head height so that it complements any interior space. Its striking style makes it the perfect choice for any home. It’s also available in black or white to complement a modern or vintage style.
The Parentesi floor lamp is one of Flos’s most iconic designs. Designed in 1971 by Achille Castiglioni and Pio Manzu, it is a timeless piece of lighting that continues to be made today. Because of its timelessness and functionality, the Parentesi is one of the most popular lamps in the Flos designer classic line.
