Astor
Category
Lighting
Brands
Designers
Dimensions
H 59 cm
Finiture
Plastic laminate, Lacquered wood
Year
1982
The Astor, designed by Thomas Bley in 1982 for Memphis Milano, is more than a lamp: it is a game of balances, a luminous totem that defies gravity. A slender cone, cylinders that dance around the light, primary forms transformed into visual poetry.
Memphis
Memphis, inspired by the Radical Design of the 60s, redefined the relationship between man and object. In addition to function, design became a vehicle for symbolic, poetic and emotional meanings. The shapes mixed pop culture, ironic classicism and eccentric elegance, creating a provocative aesthetic between kitsch and refinement. Materials played a central role: decorative laminates by Abet Laminati, designed by the same designers, combined with fine essences such as briar, generating a unique sensory experience.
Thomas Bley
Designer and teacher, Thomas Bley stands out for his interdisciplinary research and methodological and strategic development. His approach combines analysis and creativity, ranging from communication to industry, from systems to services. The only German designer to participate in Memphis in 1982, he directed Zebra Design in New York and Frog Design in California. He created innovative academic programs such as the MEDes Master of European Design and the interdisciplinary course of the KISD in Cologne. In 2006 he co-founded NELDRIC, a network of design research centers with partners in Europe, USA and Asia. Consultant for companies and public institutions, he continues to collaborate with leading companies in design and innovation.
