The Parentesi lamp, a masterpiece by design visionaries Achille Castiglioni and Pio Manzù, has illuminated the world for over 50 years. Conceived from Manzù’s sketches and brought to life by Castiglioni, it won the prestigious Compasso d’Oro ADI Award in 1979 and remains one of Flos’ most iconic designs.
Photography Courtesy of Fondazione Achille Castiglioni, Luciano Svegliado, Alecio Ferrari, Frank Hülsbömer
A versatile lamp adjustable in every way
Inspired by the parenthesis symbol, its adjustable spotlight glides vertically along a cable suspended from the ceiling, held taut by a cast-iron counterweight hovering just above the floor. This ingenious design balances movement and stillness, engineering and artistry, simplicity and sophistication.
Parentesi is also a celebration of collaboration and creativity.
Designer Pio Manzù, whose work included the Fiat 127, died two years before the Parentesi came to be. Castiglioni transformed his drawings into the lamp we know today, sharing credit as a tribute to original thinking and design innovation.
True to its “total design” ethos, Parentesi debuted in transparent plastic packaging—a nod to Pio Manzù’s automotive background and a celebration of industrial materials. This special packaging was later reintroduced by Flos for the anniversary edition.
Parentesi is available in four color options: black, red, white, and nickel. It comes in two versions: one with an integrated On/Off switch in the bulb holder and the other with a built-in dimmer in the cable, allowing you to adjust the light intensity.
