Bulbo reinvented by Flos
(Italy) – Bulbo was first designed by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for an installation at the XI Triennale in Milan in 1957. A large industrial lamp deprived of its screw cap and with a shortened neck to take the shape of a bubble, with a filament inside as the distinguishing feature.
When designing means breaking down or deconstructing, and shapes are forged through observation of what already exists – these are some of the commandments put in place by the Castiglioni brothers.
In the case of Bulbo the rule of simplification is very clear. This lamp is a synthesis of redesign and ready-made: a large industrial bulb without its screw cap and with a shortened neck to take the shape of a bubble. The classic filament inside becomes its distinguishing feature, both decorative and illuminating. The light source itself highlights the technical design that characterises this lamp, and also makes it work.
At the XI Triennale in Milan in 1957, when one lamp was connected to others in a series, the light output drastically reduced and the internal filament turned a reddish hue, giving off a low-intensity, warm ambient light.
The 2019 edition by Flos reproduces its filament in tungsten with an LED source, preserving the same colour and intensity of the light as in the original.
After dismantling the Triennale exhibition in 1957, four Bulbo lamps were installed at Achille’s home and two were set in the Studio at Piazza Castello 27 in Milan, now home to the Castiglioni Foundation, where they are still showcased. 
The original filament in tungsten is now exactly reproduced with an LED source, maintaining the warm temperature of light. 
Achille Castiglioni in his Studio in Piazza Castello 27, Milan. Hanging on top is one of the original Bulbo lamps.