Gae Aulenti

Gae Aulenti – Sculptural Light and Italian Modern Design

Italian architect and designer Gae Aulenti was one of the most influential female figures in post-war European design. Born in 1927 in Italy, Aulenti studied architecture at the Politecnico di Milano and became known for her ability to combine architecture, interior design, and product design into a coherent vision.

During the 1960s and 1970s she collaborated with several important Italian manufacturers, designing furniture and lighting that reflected the experimental spirit of the era. Her most celebrated design is the Pipistrello lamp, created in 1965 for the Italian lighting company Martinelli Luce.

The Pipistrello lamp is instantly recognizable for its telescopic metal base and its distinctive diffuser shaped like the wings of a bat. The lamp can be adjusted in height and produces a soft, diffused light that makes it both functional and sculptural. Its organic shape and innovative engineering perfectly capture the optimism and creativity of the Space Age period.

Beyond lighting design, Aulenti also worked on major architectural and museum projects, including the transformation of historic buildings into modern exhibition spaces. Her work consistently balanced modern innovation with a deep respect for form, materials, and craftsmanship.

Today, Gae Aulenti’s designs remain highly respected by collectors and design historians. The Pipistrello lamp in particular has become a timeless icon of Italian design and continues to be produced today, demonstrating the enduring relevance of her work.

At Baan Collection we curate iconic Space Age furniture and lighting from the 1960s and 1970s, celebrating designers who shaped the futuristic design movement of the era.