Saliscendi @ Stilnovo
Saliscendi is the story of one of the most iconic lamps in the history of Italian design. Created by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni in 1957, this quirky light with its dual light source and three colours - ruby red, grass green and white-grey - is making a comeback thanks to Stilnovo. Let’s leap back in time and, more precisely, to 1952 when two brothers – graduates in architecture from the Milan Polytechnic University and protagonists in various editions of the prestigious Triennale – were commissioned to renovate the entire Milan Chamber of Commerce building, which bombings had partially destroyed. The brothers Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni developed a project that foresaw, intending to maintain the original façade, the complete restoration and reorganization of the interior, including a redesign of the lighting from scratch.
In 1957, the Castiglioni duo began designing a light fixture for the Sala Della Giunta, one that would be able to combine functionality with emotional impact. At that time, the “Saliscendi” (which translates to something akin to “Ups and Downs”) was little more than a sketch, yet the most crucial detail of all – the idea – had been put in black and white. A solution was developed and refined between 1957 and 1958 – it would be a movable lamp (one that went up and down, in fact) capable of modifying the intensity of the light by moving through a system of pulleys. This system allowed a light source to be repositioned upwards and downwards, thus adjusting the intensity of the light both on the table and in the surrounding environment. At the same time – and here comes the fun part! – the same system rendered it possible to position a reflecting disc above the light source either closer or further away. The disc and lamp body would slide in opposite directions along with the cables, moving nearer or farther. The distance between the two elements changes with a simple motion, a hand pushing or pulling a small loop. When the light source is brought close to the table, the direct light is concentrated on the underlying surface and indirect light illuminates the ceiling, with the disc – now further away – creating no obstacle. When the light source rises, moving away from the table, there is more light in the room yet the lighting is dimmer. Thus, the disc – now much closer – comes into play to reflect the indirect emission and increase the amount of light diffused within the environment.
A simply extraordinary concept even today, some sixty-five years later. And therefore, daring and visionary in 1957! For the realization of such a complex project, the Castiglioni brothers turned to Stilnovo.
Stilnovo produced two samples in ruby-red lacquered metal in 1958. Unfortunately, several impediments would prevent further production of this complex device, never before reproduced until now. At the beginning of the 2000s, a new restructuring of the Milan Chamber of Commerce became necessary. Unfortunately, throughout the works, the two Saliscendi lamps were destroyed. A new concept came about in 2019 – to remake and renew the Saliscendi for contemporary living. The elaborate process of redesigning the lamp began to render it appealing to the market of today. In the Stilnovo studio, the technicians and heirs of Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni essentially faced two not-insignificant problems.
The re-release of the Saliscendi had to consider the technological evolution to have taken place throughout the years, along with the dimensions of the lamp. The original project made the Saliscendi impressive and effective but difficult to fit into contemporary spaces. Even if such characteristics limited its use, the light’s genius, charm, and thrill it was able to arouse could still be breathtaking. All the lamp components were therefore halved in size compared to the original. In this way, the suspension light finally found its place in all contemporary locations without impacting the charm and functionality of its older “sister”. The pulley system is completely revised. The support cables along which the parts of the Saliscendi travel also serve as the power supply whilst the spiraled cord has been eliminated for formal cleanliness. Now, two LED light sources guarantee a soft and comfortable dual emission. And so, we come to the present. Renewed – yes – but still magnificent, technologically-advanced, and now in three different colours, with the original ruby-red now flanked by grass-green and white-grey.
Welcome back, Saliscendi!
