A Glo-Ball Phenomenon

Brescia manufacturer Flos produces new lighting based on Jasper Morrison's classic

As noted in this column previously, one of the greatest indicators of a product design's success is its capacity to inspire imitations. A recent sales victim of its own success is Jasper Morrison's Glo-Ball lighting series for Italian manufacturer Flos. Knock-offs of the British designer Morrison's discreet light have been spotted recently on the display shelves of modern lifestyle retailers such as Caban and Ikea, but these copies cannot match the design precision and sensitivity of the Flos original.
Morrison's work can be a conundrum to the casual observer and consumer of design products. An unimpressed shrug of the shoulders would not be an unlikely response to his designs and this suits Morrison just fine, because he is one of very few world-class designers who actually put a premium of the functionality of his objects, rather than their potential for marketing sizzle.
Witness the Glo-Ball series for Flos. The lamps couldn't be simpler in their rounded forms, inspiring thoughts of what all the fuss could possibly be about. A moment's study, however, reveals the careful consideration of materials and proportions which produces the light's straightforward and elegant design. The Glo-Ball Basic lamp is perhaps the best example of this. Its acid-etched opaline glass globe glows with remarkable clarity. The lamp's discreet base is almost a rumour, leaving nothing to distract the eye and mind from the phenomenon of man-made light. The floor, wall, ceiling and suspension models repeat this simplicity from different perspectives. Morrison works within the realm of useful, rather than sexy, but he's able to prove that utility can be at least subtly sensual.
Credit must be given to Flos for marketing Morrison's comparatively brave design in such hype-driven times, but the Brescia-based manufacturer is no stranger to taking a lead in design innovation. Founded more than 40 years ago, this is the same firm that introduced legendary lights such as Arco and Tacchia by the equally legendary Castiglioni brothers.
Glo-Ball imitations may be less satisfying versions of the original Morrison design, but they're likely the models most can afford to buy. Higher costs and smaller production runs than some imitators can command mean the higher-end priced Flos lamp is more often found in offices and showrooms rather than private homes. For most consumers, Glo-Ball is unfortunately consigned to a personal wish list.
Morrison continues to mine a type of quiet product design which reveals its genius over time. This is a quality of design classics. The designer has recently created a household appliance series for a German label in which he characteristically pares all the products to their essence. It's doubtful these appliances will make their way to the North American market, but it may be enough to know that there are designers like Morrison and manufacturers like Flos who consistently try to raise the quality of design. Now if only more would imitate that.

Publication Date: 2004-03-21
Story Location: http://tandemnews.com/viewstory.php?storyid=3764