A design icon that shaped the history of Modernism, the Flos Arco Floor Lamp celebrates 60 years in the spotlight. 

What is the Flos Arco Floor Lamp?

Manufactured by the iconic Italian lighting brand, Flos, the Arco Lamp is a versatile, free-standing suspension lamp with a striking, minimal form. The architectural design changed the course of Modernism, and the piece has become a symbol of innovation and experimentation.

The instantly recognisable design has featured in films like The Italian Job and James Bond and has illuminated the homes of countless designers, artists and musicians. Arco is synonymous with quality. It has an understated silhouette but a grandiose spirit.

The design is on permanent exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City and the Triennale Museum in Milan. An honour bestowed only on the most iconic and culturally significant designs. For six decades it has proudly reigned, and in 2022, Arco's sixtieth year, Flos bring us the limited edition Arco K Lamp.

Who designed the Arco Lamp?

In 1962 two significant design giants were born. First Flos, the Italian lighting brand, and then the Flos Arco floor lamp. The latter is a creation of the talented Castiglioni brothers, two former architects who quickly became known for their creative, innovative and challenging designs. The Arco lamp is an architectural marvel. A perfectly balanced design, carefully engineered, with an impressive telescopic, stainless steel arm. A symbol of pure Italian engineering. 

The Castiglioni brothers possessed a rare creativity. Their designs are beautiful, inventive and functional. The base of the Arco lamp is crafted from Carrara marble, sourced from a cave in the northernmost tip of Tuscany. A versatile material used to build structures in Ancient Rome. It's taken from the same region where Michelangelo sourced marble for his sculptures. The Arco lamp interweaves the old and the new, and braids function and form together. A modernist icon that celebrates innovation and experimentation, whilst still tipping the hat to tradition. 

How is the Flos Arco Floor Lamp made?

First, the base of Arco is cut from a giant shard of marble and shaped with wet saws. The surface is routed and polished with diamond-grit. Each block is unique, with its own surface patterns and organic colouration. The corners and edges are bevelled by hand, by skilled workers who know the precious material well.

The slender arm that holds the shade, suspending it overhead, is made from three interlocking pieces of folded stainless steel. This interlocking stem enables the telescopic adjustability that the Arco lamp is famous for.

The aluminium reflector is shaped on a punch press and polished by robots. A process that was once done labouriously by hand. Finally, the lamp is finished with a clear lacquer that prevents oxidisation changing the aesthetic of the shade, so it remains as vibrant as the day it was created.

How can you tell if a Flos Arco lamp is authentic?

The Flos Arco lamp is one of the most imitated designs in history. Since it first gained popularity in the 1960s, countless manufacturers have forged imitations using lesser materials and little skill. A true Flos Arco lamp is finely crafted from high-quality, luxurious materials, proven to withstand the test of time. The only way to truly guarantee that the Arco lamp you're purchasing is authentic is to buy it from an official retailer, like us. For over a decade, we have worked hand in hand with Flos, to bring their timeless designs into your homes. You can rest easy in the knowledge that any Flos Arco Lamp purchased at Utility Design, is a genuine original. You won’t find any replicas here.

Is there more than one version of the Arco Lamp?

The Arco lamp, in its original form, is available with an integrated LED bulb or standard bulb. Over the past six decades, little else has changed until now. This year Flos release Arco K, the sister of the original lamp.

In celebration of Arco's 60th year, just 2022 of this limited anniversary edition floor lamp have been created. This most-special version upgrades the original with a lead-free glass base, satin-finished vstainless steel telescopic stem, pressed, polished and varnished aluminium swivel, and a height-adjustable reflector, complete with an energy-optimising LED. Finally, an NFC traceability system guarantees collectors the originality and uniqueness of each numbered piece.

Why is there a hole in the Arco Lamp base?

A little-known fact about the Arco lamp is that the hole drilled through the marble base has a function. The design has a slight, minimal frame, but the Carrara marble used is of the highest quality and so is understandable weighty. The Castiglioni brothers wanted the lamp to be easily moveable and so incorporated this cavity into the base. By slotting a broom handle through the hole, the lamp base can be easily transported.

The Arco Floor Lamp is just one design by Flos. There are many more iconic pieces. Working with renowned designers, they have built an unrivalled portfolio of contemporary pendant lights, floor lamps, and table lamps - many of which have gone on to become recognised design classics. We could easily write an essay about each groundbreaking design, and maybe we will, but until then, you can take a look at the full Flos Lighting collection.

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