Halley by Richard Sapper: 20 Years of Light in Motion
Twenty years ago Halley was born, the lamp designed by Richard Sapper for Stilnovo, destined to become an icon in the world of designer lighting. With its evocative name, inspired by Halley's comet, and its fluid and dynamic nature, Halley was one of the first lamps to integrate the new LED technology, combining technical innovation and maximum freedom of movement.
Today, two decades after its debut, Halley celebrates its 20th anniversary by renewing itself without betraying its essence.
Let's discover Halley in detail!
Halley's innovation
Technology has evolved, and with it also Halley: the original radiator, necessary to dissipate the heat of the first LEDs, has been replaced by an innovative proximity dimmer, which allows you to turn on and adjust the light simply by bringing your hand closer. A minimal gesture for total control, in perfect harmony with Sapper's design philosophy.
The new photographic campaign signed by Mattia Balsamini and curated by art director Russo Sgarbossa celebrates precisely this: the lightness, versatility and movement of a lamp that, even today, confirms itself as a true pioneer.
Halley: revolutionary, creative and technological
When Sapper designed Halley in 2004, LED technology was in its infancy. The challenge was enormous: to create a lamp that exploited the advantages of LEDs (very low energy consumption, long life, directional light) without sacrificing aesthetics or functionality.
The answer was ingenious: a system of thin arms, balanced by a counterweight, capable of moving freely in space. Halley extends, bends, rotates, reaches every corner, just like the tail of a comet that adapts to the cosmic wind. In this sense, Halley is not just a lamp, but a true extension of the human gesture.
It is designed to accompany the needs of those who use it, without ever imposing itself. The light is directed exactly where it is needed, with a simple touch or a delicate movement.
Technical features: concrete innovation
Current Halley, on sale at Diffusione Luce, keeps the soul of the original project intact, enriched by the innovations of recent years:
* Integrated LED source: guarantees high luminous efficiency with minimum consumption and excellent color rendering.
* Proximity dimmer: allows you to turn on, off and adjust the light intensity without physical contact, for an intuitive and contemporary user experience.
* Aluminum structure: lightweight but extremely resistant, available in the elegant Matt Black and Natural Aluminum finishes.
* Counterweight balancing system: allows large and fluid movements, without the need for visible springs or complex mechanisms.
The lamp is available in a table, wall, floor or clamp version, to adapt to any environment and need.
Where to use Halley: total versatility
Thanks to its essential yet sophisticated design, Halley fits perfectly into both residential and professional contexts.
* At home: ideal as a desk lamp in the study or home office area, where precise light regulation is essential. Also perfect as a reading light next to an armchair or sofa, or as a bedside light with great personality.
* In work environments: Halley finds its maximum expression in modern offices, coworking spaces and professional studios, where ergonomics and the adaptability of light improve comfort and productivity.
* In public spaces: libraries, galleries, showrooms: wherever precise, elegant and easily adjustable light is required. Its light and dynamic aesthetic adapts to different styles, from contemporary minimalism to more classic environments that want to integrate a technological element without sacrificing elegance.
Ease of use for Halley
One of Halley's strengths is its extreme ease of use. Thanks to the proximity dimmer, a simple hand gesture is enough to:
* Turn on the lamp;
* Turn it off;
* Adjust the light intensity according to your needs (study, relaxation, precision work).
The fluid movements of the arms allow you to direct the light beam effortlessly, allowing for ever new configurations depending on your daily activities. Furthermore, the quality of the LED light, warm, comfortable and natural, reduces visual fatigue, making Halley perfect even for long hours of use.
Halley: a lamp that has made history
Halley is not just a design product: it is a living testimony to the technological evolution of the last twenty years. It is proof that an idea, if designed with intelligence and sensitivity, can stand the test of time and continue to innovate without losing its identity. Celebrating 20 years of Halley means celebrating a pioneering vision of light, in which technology and poetry meet.
Discover Halley on Diffusione Luce and bring an icon of contemporary design into your home or workspace, now even more performing, sensitive and fascinating.
Written by Alice Pruccoli
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