For an art installation at the Swiss Cultural Center in Milan earlier this year, a Swiss-based architecture firm Atelier Oi planned to combine its interests in music and design to create a series of lamps that could be played like instruments. Each sculptural light was made of aluminum wires and had a distinctive shape. When pushed around like a wind chime, each generated its own sound and when played in tandem, they produced layered melodies. Italian manufacturer Foscarini noticed the spectacular thing and asked the designers to simplify the concept for commercial production. The upshot was stylish lamps dubbed Allegro. The end product is only the metallic structure as stated by Aurel Aebi of Atelier Oi. Each version comes in three sizes with a gold, bronze, or anthracite finish. There are two light sources; one that hangs vertically, which can use an energy-efficient bulb and an indirect one closer to the ceiling. The aluminum elements flow and combine together to bestow the lamp with a light, bodiless effect. I want one!
