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Kristall, designed by Michele De Lucchi in 1981, is a side table that belongs to the Memphis Group and reflects the experimental language of Italian postmodern design. Its vaguely zoomorphic shape places the piece somewhere between a functional object and a domestic sculpture. The design is inspired by the lunar module of the Apollo 11 mission, evoking the collective imaginary of space exploration.
The piece is made of lacquered wood covered with decorative laminate. It's painted with metal elements—a combination of materials that reflects the designer's interest in the symbolic and expressive value of furniture. Kristall is a representative example of a period in which Italian design questioned functionalist principles, proposing objects with narrative identity and cultural value.
Measurements: W 50, D 63, H 65 cm
Michele De Lucchi (Italy, 1951) is one of the most influential figures in contemporary Italian design and architecture. He graduated in Architecture from the University of Florence and gained international recognition in the late 70s as one of the leading figures of radical Italian design. He was an active member of seminal collectives such as Cavart, Alchimia, and Memphis, key movements in redefining the language of design during the 80s.
His work is characterized by a constant reflection on the emotional, symbolic, and ritual significance of objects, beyond their mere function. Throughout his career, he has designed furniture, lighting, and industrial products for leading companies such as Artemide, Olivetti, Kartell, Alessi, Cassina, and Vitra.
Between 1988 and 2002, he was Design Director at Olivetti, during that period he made a decisive contribution to the company's visual and conceptual identity, both in product design and in architecture and interior design. At the same time, he has developed numerous architectural projects for museums, cultural institutions, and corporate headquarters on an international scale.
His pieces are part of the permanent collections of leading museums such as the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, the Centre Pompidou in Paris and the Triennale di Milano, consolidating his position as a key figure in the history of design at the end of the 20th and beginning of the 21st century.
Bibliography
Domus, several issues dedicated to Michele De Lucchi and postmodern Italian design. Memphis: Research, Experiences, Results, Failures and Successes of New Design, Rizzoli. Triennale Milano – archives and curatorial texts on Michele De Lucchi. Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York – archives of the design collection. Publications and monographs from AMDL Circle / Studio Michele De Lucchi. Italian Design 1980–1990, Electa.
