Gianni Gamberini & Gruppo A.R.D.I.T.I. "B.T." Lamp for Nucleo Sormani, 1971

Design
1971

Manufacture
1970-1979

Location
New York City

Gianni Gamberini & Gruppo A.R.D.I.T.I. "B.T." table lamp for Nucleo Sormani, metal and wood, 1971.

This extraordinary "B.T." table lamp transcends mere illumination, establishing itself as a sculptural attestation to the scientific and exploratory spirit of Italian design. A product of the radical A.R.D.I.T.I. Group, this lamp embodies a philosophy that placed light at the forefront of artistic expression, a notion that continues to resonate today.
The lamp's form is a n enticing synergy of materials. A sleek triangular prism of rich oak wood serves as its foundation, its interior cradling the magic. Within, a mesmerizing dance of light unfolds. Two Lucite luminous elements, imbued with a modern luminescence, defy convention. Freed from the constraints of a fixed position, these elements pirouette across the steel canvas, guided solely by the invisible hand of magnetism. This ingenious use of magnetic induction allows for a symphony of lighting configurations, empowering the user to tailor the lamp's character to their whim.
The "B.T." model lamp invites engagement with the very essence of design. Its transformative nature and sculptural presence elevate it to the status of an artistic focal point. This lamp is not merely for illuminating a room but for igniting the imagination.
Studio Arditi was among the first to experiment with low voltage, offering lamps that not only illuminate, but play with surfaces and space. The "B.T." lamp patent by Duccio Trassinelli produced by Sormani in 1972 and in the permanent collection of the MoMA, New York and the Center Pompidou, Paris.