Studio BBPR pendant lamps Torre Velasca Milano Italy 1956

Studio B.B.P.R.

Italy 1932
Architects and designers

These rare pendant lamps were designed and manufactured by Studio BBPR in 1956 specifically for the entrance hall of the Torre Velasca, one of Milan’s most iconic architectural landmarks. Built as one of Italy’s first skyscrapers, the Torre Velasca has become a symbol of Milanese modernism and stands out with its unique brutalist design. These lamps were tailored to complement the building’s striking aesthetic, with only a limited number originally produced, making them extremely rare.

The lamps showcase Studio BBPR’s attention to both functionality and form, balancing impressive scale with understated elegance. Each pendant is designed with a large diffused plastic shade, which emits a warm, inviting glow that softens the ambiance of any room, making them ideal for interiors with high ceilings where their size and lighting effect can truly be appreciated. The chrome and painted metal components have been refinished, preserving the original colors and appearance seen in the historic Torre Velasca.

The visual appeal of these lamps lies in their architectural yet minimalist form, which harmonizes with the Torre Velasca’s bold, geometric lines while providing gentle, diffused light to the space. These lights add a dramatic touch without overpowering the surroundings, showcasing Studio BBPR’s skill in merging aesthetics and functionality.

With only six of these pendants available, each sold individually, these lights represent a rare opportunity for collectors or design enthusiasts to own a piece of Italian architectural heritage. Given their unique origin and Studio BBPR’s renowned craftsmanship, these pendant lamps are not only functional lighting pieces but also significant design objects that bring history, elegance, and a touch of Milanese modernism into any space.

Studio BBPR was an influential Italian architectural firm founded in 1932 by architects Gian Luigi Banfi, Ludovico Belgiojoso, Enrico Peressutti, and Ernesto Nathan Rogers. The studio’s name, “BBPR,” reflects the initials of these founding members, who shared a commitment to modernism while respecting Italy’s rich architectural history. Known for their blend of modernist principles and historical sensitivity, Studio BBPR championed an architectural philosophy they called “Neorealismo,” which balanced functionalism with cultural context. Their designs sought to honor the surrounding environment and human needs rather than purely abstract ideals.

One of their most famous work, the Torre Velasca in Milan, completed in 1958, epitomizes this philosophy. The building’s brutalist yet medieval-inspired form helped redefine post-war architecture in Italy. Studio BBPR also created notable projects like the Monument to the Victims of Nazi Concentration Camps, reflecting their dedication to socially conscious design, as members of the studio, including Banfi, endured imprisonment during WWII for their anti-fascist activities. Studio BBPR’s legacy continues to influence architects who prioritize contextual and humane design, making them central figures in 20th-century architecture.