Introduction
When it comes to iconic Italian designers, Tobia Scarpa is a name that cannot be overlooked. Born in Venice in 1935, Scarpa has made a name for himself in the world of design, creating a range of stunning and innovative products. Among his most significant contributions to the design world are the lighting creations he developed for the Italian company Flos.
In this article, we will take a closer look at Flos Tobia Scarpa, exploring the timeless designs that have made Scarpa a household name in the design world.
Flos Tobia Scarpa: Early Career Highlights
Tobia Scarpa began his career as an architect, graduating from Istituto Universitario di Architettura di Venezia in 1960. Following his graduation, he worked with his father, the renowned architect Carlo Scarpa, on a variety of projects, blending his own innovative style with his father’s traditional approach.
In the mid-1960s, Scarpa began to focus on industrial design, creating a range of products for companies such as Gavina, Knoll, and Flos. It was his work with Flos that would prove to be the most significant of his early career.
The Flos Tobia Scarpa Collection
Scarpa’s collaboration with Flos began in the mid-1960s and lasted for several decades. During this time, he created a range of lighting designs that would become some of the company’s most iconic products.
One of Scarpa’s most famous designs for Flos is the Fantasma collection, which he created with his wife, Afra Scarpa. The Fantasma collection is a series of glass lights, shaped like cylinders, that are mounted on a metallic base. These lights have a unique, ghostly appearance, with a soft glow that illuminates the room.
Another iconic design by Scarpa for Flos is the Biagio lamp. Created in 1968, this lamp is made from one single block of Carrara marble, with its fluid form creating a sense of movement and elegance. The Biagio lamp is a fine example of Scarpa’s innovative design style, which seamlessly blends form and function.
The Timeless Appeal of Scarpa’s Designs
One of the reasons Scarpa’s designs have stood the test of time is his visionary approach to design. As an architect, he had a deep understanding of space and how to use it, which he brought to his work with Flos. The lighting designs he created were not just objects; they were works of art that became an integral part of the spaces they were installed in.
Scarpa’s designs were also characterized by their minimalist aesthetic. He believed that good design was about finding the essence of an object and expressing it in the simplest way possible. The simplicity of his designs is what gives them their timeless appeal, making them just as relevant today as they were when they were first created.
