For Gae Aulenti, design is not limited to the creation of furniture. It engages with architecture, transforms spaces and gives a new dimension to everyday objects. Born in 1927 in Palazzolo dello Stella, Italy, Gae Aulenti studied architecture at the Politecnico di Milano, graduating in 1953. She went on to pursue a multidisciplinary career spanning architecture, industrial design, interior design and scenography.
Her signature style? A bold approach that blends historical references, innovation and sculptural forms. Far from confining herself to the conventions of modernism, she conceived creations imbued with a distinct personality. Among her most famous projects is the conversion of the former Orsay railway station into a museum, which opened in Paris in 1986. This project epitomises her ability to create a dialogue between architecture and heritage.
But Gae Aulenti has also left her mark on the history of design with a creation that has become a must-have: the Pipistrello lamp, designed in 1965 and produced by Martinelli Luce. Today, this icon of Italian design is available in several colours, four of which are available for hire at Maison Vachon.
With Gae Aulenti, design takes flight. And it never lacks imagination.
Created in 1965, the Pipistrello lamp is undoubtedly one of Gae Aulenti’s most iconic designs. Its name means ‘bat’ in Italian. This is a direct reference to its undulating shade, which evokes the animal’s outstretched wings. Produced by Martinelli Luce, the lamp combines a white opal methacrylate diffuser with a lacquered metal base. Its telescopic stem allows the height to be adjusted, offering a degree of flexibility in its use.
With its organic curves and Art Nouveau-inspired aesthetic, Pipistrello blends classic elegance with modernity. Its soft, diffused light helps to create a warm atmosphere, whilst its sculptural silhouette makes it a true decorative piece. At Maison Vachon, the Pipistrello lamp finds its natural place on a console table, a desk, a counter or in a lounge area.
A lamp with wings. And, above all, remarkable longevity.
Available in black and white, the Pipistrello lamp showcases the
understated elegance of its design. The black Pipistrello features a graphic silhouette, making it particularly well-suited to contemporary interiors and sophisticated settings.
The white Pipistrello, meanwhile, plays on softness and luminosity to blend seamlessly into minimalist and elegant spaces.
At Maison Vachon, both versions are available for hire to furnish VIP lounges, showrooms, reception areas or temporary executive offices. Paired with contemporary furniture or natural materials, they help create a refined atmosphere without overwhelming the décor.
Two must-have colours for an icon that never goes out of fashion.
With the Pipistrello Vert Agave lamp, Gae Aulenti’s iconic design takes on a more contemporary feel. Its agave-green base adds a subtle touch of colour, whilst retaining the characteristic lines of the original design.
This soft, natural shade pairs particularly well with wood, light-coloured textiles and warm materials. At Maison Vachon, it adds a touch of personality to a lounge area, a showroom or a reception area. Used as a decorative feature on a console table or side table, it helps to create a welcoming and elegant atmosphere.
A touch of green that breathes new life into a design icon.
With
the Pipistrello Yellow lamp, Gae Aulenti’s iconic design takes on a
bolder and brighter look. This colourful version, brought to you by Martinelli Luce, retains the original model’s sculptural silhouette whilst adding a touch of whimsy. Its yellow colour helps to energise a space and create a focal point within a setting.
At Maison Vachon, it finds its natural place in a showroom, a reception area or a brand event seeking to incorporate touches of colour. Paired with furniture in neutral tones, it becomes a striking decorative feature, capable of lending character to the whole space.
A lamp that catches the eye, even when switched off.
Gae Aulenti’s Pipistrello lamp has one major advantage: it combines an instantly recognisable aesthetic with a genuine decorative lighting function. Its sculptural silhouette enhances any space, whilst its soft light helps to create warm and intimate atmospheres.
Its various versions also offer interesting creative freedom for event design. The black and white versions blend easily into understated and elegant settings. The agave green adds a natural touch, whilst the yellow helps to energise a space.
Hiring Gae Aulenti lighting fixtures therefore allows you to incorporate an icon of Italian design into lounge areas, showrooms, receptions or corporate events. Because successful lighting does more than simply illuminate a space; it gives it a personality.
At Maison Vachon, we love creations that have left their mark on the history of design and continue to inspire contemporary interior design.
With the Pipistrello lamp, designed by Gae Aulenti and produced by Martinelli Luce, light becomes a true element of event décor.
Available to hire from Maison Vachon in black, white, agave green and yellow, this creation allows you to create spaces that are elegant, warm or more daring, depending on the desired atmosphere. An iconic piece that combines design history, functionality and timeless aesthetics.
With Gae Aulenti, light takes flight. And so do events.
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