The visionary behind Artemide’s timeless Tolomeo and more
Michele De Lucchi is far more than an architect or designer - he is a creator of stories, spaces, and iconic forms that have reshaped contemporary design. With a career that spans radical movements, global recognition, and deep artistic inquiry, De Lucchi stands as a living bridge between experimentation and timeless elegance. Nowhere is this clearer than in his long-standing collaboration with Artemide, the Italian lighting brand known for design innovation.
From Radical Roots to Global Recognition
Born in Ferrara, Italy, in 1951, Michele De Lucchi was a key figure in the avant-garde collectives Alchimia and Memphis, challenging design norms in the 1980s. He went on to head design at Olivetti, where he brought a more human-centric aesthetic to technology. His passion for expressive, functional design has led to architectural and product work across the world - from cultural landmarks to everyday objects.
De Lucchi is also the founder of AMDL CIRCLE, a multidisciplinary studio known for its humanistic approach to architecture and design. Whether creating spaces or furniture, his work balances craftsmanship with innovation, rooted in a belief that design should serve both people and purpose.
Lighting the Way: A Collaboration with Artemide
One of Michele De Lucchi’s most enduring and celebrated partnerships has been with Artemide, the legendary Italian lighting company. This collaboration has produced some of the most iconic lighting designs in modern history, combining De Lucchi’s architectural eye with Artemide’s technological and material excellence.
The crown jewel of this partnership, the Tolomeo lamp, is a global design icon. Co-designed with Giancarlo Fassina, this desk lamp became an instant classic - combining sleek aluminum lines with brilliant adjustability. It won the Compasso d’Oro in 1989 and remains one of the world’s best-selling lamps to this day. Its flexible arm and clean aesthetic have made it a staple in homes, offices, and studios around the world.
The Castore series marries minimalism with softness. Its glowing globe diffuser and subtle stem taper create a calming visual flow, reflecting De Lucchi’s interest in emotional resonance through form.
With its fluid, organic shape, the Logico collection explores the sculptural potential of blown glass. These modular lights blend function and beauty, ideal for both residential and contract spaces.
Simple, spherical, and serene - the Dioscuri lamps emphasize pure geometry and diffused light. Their timeless design offers understated elegance in any setting.
A modern composition of LED technology and architectural rhythm, LED Net showcases De Lucchi’s forward-thinking vision. The design reads like a constellation of light, balancing precision with poetry.
A Legacy of Meaningful Design
Beyond products, De Lucchi's work expresses a deeply philosophical approach to design. He often returns to the essential form, carving wooden models in his Milan and Angera workshops. These explorations ground his professional practice in something tactile, emotional, and timeless.
His impact has been recognized globally: from receiving the Compasso d’Oro Career Award and an Honorary Doctorate to being appointed Officer of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by France. In 2025, he was named the Asahikawa Special Design Ambassador in Japan.
About Artemide
Founded in 1960, Artemide is a pioneer in lighting design, blending cutting-edge technology with timeless form. The brand is celebrated for its “The Human Light” philosophy - designing light that enhances well-being, performance, and the emotional quality of space. Collaborations with world-renowned designers, including Michele De Lucchi, have made Artemide a leader in both residential and architectural lighting innovation.
Curious about Artemide?
Take a behind-the-scenes look with Nook’s personal tour of the Artemide factory in Milan, captured during our visit in April 2025.
Discover More
Michele De Lucchi’s work is a masterclass in design with purpose - grounded in history, open to experimentation, and always deeply human. From the ever-relevant Tolomeo to experimental pieces still shaping conversations today, his collaboration with Artemide continues to illuminate the world in more ways than one.
