Table Lamp by Martini, Falconi & Fois for Reggiani, Italy, 1970s

Like many of the best architects, martini, falconi & fois also tried their hand at object design. More alien than human, this particular opaline and chrome table lamp is their take on space age, and it is spot on. The top part, done in chrome, sees the partly chromed lightbulb sunk into a concave mirror which spreads the warm, diffuse light while conjuring up images of jet engines and intergalactic travel, while the bottom part speaks of mysterious bubbly civilisations we might encounter out there. This bottom part also lights up. As the globe is separated from the round, chrome base, the lamp can be adjusted and tilted according to one's momentary desire.