Design Icon: The Flos Floor Lamp Seen in Iron Man, Crazy Stupid Love And More Movies

The work of Italian architect brothers Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, the Flos Arco floor lamp is an iconic piece that has remained a timeless favourite. Here, we explore the origins of its design

With its silver arc, globe-like shade and elegant marble base, the distinctive Flos Arco floor lamp is easily recognisable. The iconic lamp, named after its signature arch feature, is a beloved classic.

It has made silent cameo appearances in movies and TV shows like Mad Men and the James Bond film Diamonds are Forever, and has also been spotted adding a gentle glow to the interiors of Iron Man Tony Stark’s (Robert Downey Jr.) luxurious abode as well as the living room of Ryan Gosling's character Jacob Palmer in Crazy Stupid Love.

The Arco is featured briefly in Ryan Gosling's character's house in Crazy, Stupid, Love Image: Courtesy of Warner Bro Entertainment

Above The Flos Arco floor lamp is featured briefly in the home of Ryan Gosling's character in Crazy, Stupid, Love, which also stars Emma Stone. Image: Courtesy of Warner Bro Entertainment

The famous lighting piece is often hailed for its innovative design. It provides direct overhead lighting, without the need for installing a wired ceiling suspension—a rare feat that lamps before it couldn’t achieve.

The free-standing structure is made up of three components: a thin, arched neck in stainless steel, a bulbous head containing the lightbulb that offers direct and indirect lighting, and a sturdy base crafted from Carrara marble.

Above The iconic lighting piece has made appearances in popular films like Iron Man Image: Courtesy of Disney

Arco’s sleek functionality is half the reason for its popularity; the slender telescopic arm—able to project light as high as 95 inches off the ground—provides versatility with its adjustable height. The heavy base, weighing 65kg, keeps the lamp grounded and can be doubled as a small and charming side table.

The Arco floor lamp remains one of Flos' and the Castiglioni brothers' most iconic designs to this day The Flos lamp has remained an iconic, timeless design with its arched structure Image: Courtesy of Flos

Above The Arco floor lamp remains one of Flos' and the Castiglioni brothers' most iconic designs to this day The Flos lamp has remained an iconic, timeless design with its arched structure Image: Courtesy of Flos

The design of the Arco was never attempted prior to its debut due to the tricky engineering it required. In 1962, at the peak of Italy’s post-war design renaissance, visionary Italian architect brothers Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni attempted—and succeeded—to create the first of such lighting piece. The brothers, who were also industrial designers, were fascinated with experimenting the amalgamation of technology and design.

The lamp's versatility makes it suitable for a variety of interior settings such as the dining room, living room, and study Image: Courtesy of Flos

Above The lamp's versatility makes it suitable for a variety of interior settings such as the dining room, living room, and study Image: Courtesy of Flos

In an interview published by credit card and financial services company American Express, Achille’s daughter Giovanna revealed that her father and uncle drew inspiration for the Arco lamp from the street lamps found on the sidewalks of Paris.

The brothers’ meticulousness and eye for detail shine through the lamp. The corners of the marble base are intentionally beveled, designed to minimise the possibility of injury should users bump into the lamp. The heavy base also features a hole in the middle, which allows two people to effortlessly lift and shift the lamp.

Above The marble base at the bottom of the Arco lamp is perfect for doubling as a chic side table Image: Courtesy of Flos, Space Furniture

Above The Flos Arco lamp features a sleek telescopic stem that's adjustable Image: Courtesy of Flos, Space Furniture

Being exclusive designers of lighting manufacturer Flos, the Castiglioni brothers have been manufacturing the Arco lamp for Flos since the Italian company’s beginning. It is still in constant production today.

Produced according to the Castiglionis’ original design, the materials have remained consistent aside from the 40th-anniversary limited-edition pieces that featured a black marble base. Brilliantly marrying form and function, the Arco lamp’s sleek structure exudes a sense of refined timelessness that looks graceful in any abode.

The Flos lamp and other designs produced by Flos are available at: Space Furniture in Singapore | Xtra Furniture in Malaysia | Steltz International in Philippines | Colourliving in Hong Kong | H.N. Lin Enterprise in Taiwan

Topics

interior design design icon flos lamps lighting home decor furnishings

Tatler Asia

Design Icon: The Flos Floor Lamp Seen in Iron Man, Crazy Stupid Love And More Movies