Drawing on the design of classic outdoor folding tables, visionary architect and designer Castiglioni chose to hone in on the little details for his 630 Cumano Occasional Table, with the aim of improving and enhancing the piece’s functionality. His subject was the iconic and emblematic Paris bistro table, with its three-legs and folding construction. Working with Zanotta, Castiglioni reinterpreted the table using modern materials, principally for the folding mechanism, which eases wear and tear on the table’s painted surface. He also added a small hole to the tabletop, which assisted in folding the table, and allows you to hang the table on the wall with the included hook.
One of the most important industrial designers of the 20th century, Achille Castiglioni produced more than 150 products during his career and forged enduring relationships with Italian manufacturers such as Flos in lighting, Zanotta in furniture and Alessi in home products.
For all his honours and achievements, Castiglioni remained as curious, challenging and inventive as ever until his death in 2002. Superbly resolved as his work was in terms of its formal qualities, he never lost his wit or his delight in paradox.
In celebration of what would have been his 100th birthday, we take a closer look at Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni’s most iconic designs: the inimitable Flos Arco Lamp.
