Oluce Atollo table lamp

This is perhaps Vico Magistretti’s most famous lamp and the design that most clearly summarises his approach to lighting. The Oluce Atollo table lamp is composed of simple geometric forms. It translates the traditional lampshade into a small abstract structure, defined by a perfectly balanced relationship between cylinder, cone and hemisphere.

The light source is concealed beneath the cap, leaving the exterior of the hemisphere in shadow, while illuminating the interior and the upper conical element of the base from which the vertical cylinder emerges. This creates a carefully balanced combination of direct and indirect light, which reflects into the surrounding space with varying degrees of intensity.

The supporting structure and the cap are connected by an extremely thin attachment, making the upper element appear almost as if it were suspended in the air. “The extremely pleasant lighting enhances and is enhanced by the simple geometric form of the overall construction. It has no unnecessary frills or features. This characterises most of Vico Magistretti’s lamps. Elegant proportions and stylistic composure make them perfect ‘domestic characters’.”
Taken from: “Vico Magistretti architetto e designer”, Fulvio Irace, Vanni Pasca, Milano, Mondadori Electa, 1999.

For many years, Magistretti served as art director and chief designer of Oluce, conferring his unmistakable stamp on the company and establishing a legacy of worldwide recognition. Designs such as Kuta, Lester, Nara, Idomeneo, Pascal, Dim, Sonora, Snow, and especially Atollo, became names that instantly evoked the corresponding product.

Atollo itself evolved into a kind of archetype: a graphic silhouette that immediately rendered the very concept of a “lamp”.

For many years now, Atollo has no longer been just a lamp. It has become a myth—one of the most recognisable symbols of Italian design worldwide, and one of the rare products known and referred to simply by its own name.

“Designed by Vico Magistretti in 1977, it was awarded the Compasso d’Oro in 1979. Since then, it has become part of the permanent collections of the world’s major design museums, as well as a presence in the homes of those who value thoughtful and lasting design. Atollo’s secret probably lies in the geometrical construction of its shapes: the cone on the cylinder and the hemisphere above. A luminous sculpture from which nothing can be removed, to which nothing can be added, and which nothing can copy.”
Marco Romanelli

Other collaborations

In addition to his long-standing collaboration with Oluce, Vico Magistretti designed numerous lamps and objects for Artemide, including the Dalù, Eclisse and Mezzachimera table lamps. He also created several important lighting designs for FontanaArte. These works can be found in the respective catalogues on the Vintageinfo website.

Vico Magistretti Foundation

Via Conservatorio 20, 20122 Milan, Italy

The Vico Magistretti Foundation preserves the designer’s archive and former studio. The studio museum is open on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Further information can be found on the museum’s website.

Oluce – O-Luce

The Italian lighting company Oluce was founded in 1945 by Giuseppe Ostuni. It is widely regarded as the oldest Italian design company in the lighting sector still in operation today. From the very beginning, Oluce positioned itself at the intersection of industrial innovation, architectural thinking and high-quality craftsmanship.

During the post-war years, Oluce played a key role in shaping modern Italian lighting design. The company became known for its willingness to experiment with new materials, advanced production techniques and progressive forms, often anticipating broader developments in modern and contemporary design.

One of the defining moments in the history of Oluce was its long-standing collaboration with Joe Colombo, whose radical and futuristic designs perfectly matched the company’s experimental spirit. Iconic models such as the Spider lamp (1965), which won the Compasso d’Oro in 1967, and the Coupé lamp (1967), later designed by Joe Colombo and refined by Alberto Meda, became international design classics and remain in production to this day.

Another crucial figure in Oluce’s history is Vico Magistretti, whose work for the company resulted in some of its most enduring and recognisable designs. Lamps such as the Atollo (1977), awarded the Compasso d’Oro in 1979, have become timeless icons of Italian design and are today part of the permanent collections of major international museums.

Over the decades, Oluce collaborated with an impressive roster of renowned designers and architects. Among them are Angelo Ostuni, Achille, Livio and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Franco Buzzi, Joe and Gianni Colombo, Marco Zanuso, Tito Agnoli, Angeletti & Ruzza, Antonia Astori & Nicola De Ponti, Bruno Gecchelin, Stefano Casciani, Francesco Rota, Victor Vasilev, Ferdi Giardini and many others.

Oluce has received numerous international design awards over the years, including several Compasso d’Oro awards, confirming its central role in the history of Italian and international lighting design.

Throughout its history, Oluce has consistently balanced innovation with continuity, maintaining a strong connection to its design heritage while continuing to work with contemporary designers. This approach has ensured the lasting relevance of the brand within the international design landscape.

For a complete overview of the company’s current collections and official history, see the Oluce website.

Drawing taken from the Dutch 1982 book: Chriet Titulaer – Computers. Wat moet je er mee? (Computers. What should you do with it?) – The office of the future has a computer on every desk (in the year 2000).

Lamps In The Movies!

The International (2009)

An Oluce Atollo table lamp was used as a set decoration in the 2009 political thriller film The International. Starring Clive Owen and Naomi Watts.

Nocturnal Animals (2016)

An Oluce Atollo table lamp was used as a set decoration in the 2016 American neo-noir psychological thriller Nocturnal Animals. Starring Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Shannon.