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Compasso d’Oro Industrial Design Award

Compasso d’Oro:
Industrial Design’s Oldest Award

After years of working as an Italian architect, industrial designer, furniture designer and artist, Gio Ponti had a dream: To valorize the quality of Italian design. In 1954, the Compasso d’Oro Award was born – the first and oldest award given to industrial designers, awarded every three years. The prize is a golden bow compass and is awarded to designers chosen by an international jury composed of designers, journalists and critics who look for absolute excellence in innovation, technique and approach.


The prize is a golden bow compass and is awarded to designers chosen by an international jury composed of designers, journalists and critics who look for absolute excellence in innovation, technique and approach.

Eclisse Table Lamp

Compasso d’Oro brings to mind an abundance of iconic fixtures that forever changed the way we understand design. Among the classics is the “Eclisse” Table Lamp. Designed by Vico Magristretti (1965), this cult table lamp was inspired by the many phases of the moon and today still captures the hearts of designers and homeowners alike. It wouldn’t be the last we’d see of Magristretti – his breathtaking designs continued to take the stage. In 1979, the Compasso d’Oro jury awarded him for his “Atollo” lamp for Oluce as it featured refined geometric brilliance. During the 1970s, a multitude of other fixtures were making a lasting impression. Designed by Achille Castiglioni and Pio Manzu, the Parentesi for FLOS Lighting won the prestigious award (1979). Featuring a bare bulb attached to a thin line connecting the ceiling to the floor, the Parentesi demonstrates the epitome of elegance and minimalism. At the time of its creation, the country was suffering from an economic decline and decorative elements were few and far between, however the Parentesi struck a cord with the jury as it celebrated light in a time of despair.

In recent years, there have been a variety of winners that left audiences in awe – among them was the “OK” pendant for FLOS Lighting. Designed by Konstantin Gric, “OK” is a more modern, color interpretation of the “Parentesi.” It features an ultra-flat LED surface that can be directed over 360 degrees – the perfect addition to contemporary interiors in search of a renewed 70s feel. Following the “OK” lamp was the “Hope Pendant” for Luceplan. A collaboration between Paolo Rizzatto and Francisco Gomez Paz, “Hope” recreates the charm of the traditional chandelier, reinterpreted with sophisticated technologies and contemporary materials. The polycarbonate Fresnel lenses magnify the light, creating a truly dazzling atmosphere.

It was three years later that renowned Japanese fashion designer, Issey Miyake, up the ante with his “IN_EL” lamp for Artemide. Made from recycled materials, including plastic bottles, the fixture is inspired by traditional Origami aesthetics and praised for its mathematical analysis.

This year, June 2018, Compasso d’Oro took place in the heart of Milan. In one of the courtyards of the historical Sforza Castle, all nominated and awarded objects were on public display. The gallery consisted of varying contemporary fields, including automotive designs, bathroom accessories, lighting and differing technologies. The essence of the event was evident – a celebration of the many facets of Italian craftsmanship that began 600 years ago.


In the lighting arena, there were a couple of pieces that wrestled for first place, but it was the “Discovery Suspension” that shined brightest. Designed by Ernesto Gismondi for Artemide, the “Discovery Suspension” features a thin metallic ring which holds the “silent void suspended in space.” When on, it suddenly becomes an intensely luminescent disc, revealing the soul of the piece.

Discovery Suspension

While not all pieces took home a prize, there were many notable designs. For instance, the “Nodo” – is made from a node of glass and unites a light source with the reflective body through the use of special magnets, creating a magical, floating effect. Just as elegant, the “Les Danseuses” light. Designed by Atelier Oï for Danese, the fixture is inspired by the movement of ballet dancers.

Every Compasso d’Oro event leaves us wanting more incredible, innovative designs. The location of the 2021 event will be revealed shortly before the designs are unveiled.

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Caracas Sixteen Light Chandelier
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  • How does Italian lighting design stand out in the global market?

      • Italian lighting design stands out in the global market due to its rich history and commitment to innovation. With awards like the Compasso dOro, which has recognized exceptional design since 1954, Italy has established itself as a leader in the field. Iconic fixtures such as the "Eclisse" Table Lamp and the "Parentesi" demonstrate the country's dedication to both classic and modern styles, while recent designs like the "OK" pendant and the "Hope Pendant" showcase advanced technologies and materials. These awards and designs highlight the unique blend of tradition and creativity that sets Italian lighting apart.

  • What role have chandeliers played in the history of Italian lighting?

      • Chandeliers have played a significant role in the evolution of Italian lighting design, contributing to the country's reputation as a global leader in contemporary lighting. From the earliest days of Italian lighting, chandeliers have been instrumental in setting trends and pushing boundaries. For instance, the "Luminator," designed by Pietro Chiesa for FontanaArte in 1932, was one of the first fixtures to feature a continuous, elegant line from the base to the stem to the reflector, setting the stage for the atomic "Sputnik" designs of the '50s and '60s. Similarly, the "Arco" lamp, designed by the Castiglioni brothers for Flos in the late '60s, exemplified the minimalist approach to design that continues to influence contemporary lighting. More recently, the "OK" pendant for FLOS Lighting, designed by Konstantin Gric, and the "Hope Pendant" for Luceplan, a collaboration between Paolo Rizzatto and Francisco Gomez Paz, have demonstrated the enduring appeal of chandeliers while incorporating modern technologies and materials.

  • How do Italian lighting designs incorporate modern aesthetics with traditional craftsmanship?

      • Italian lighting designs often seamlessly blend modern aesthetics with traditional craftsmanship. Many Italian designers draw inspiration from the country's rich artistic heritage while embracing contemporary styles and technologies. They use high-quality materials such as hand-blown glass, polished metals, and premium fabrics to create lighting fixtures that are both visually striking and expertly crafted. Italian lighting designs often feature clean lines, geometric shapes, and minimalist forms, reflecting modern sensibilities. At the same time, they incorporate intricate detailing, luxurious finishes, and time-honored techniques passed down through generations of skilled artisans. This fusion of modern aesthetics and traditional craftsmanship results in lighting fixtures that are not only functional but also serve as stunning artistic statements in any space.