Header: Patrizia Volpato Srl
The Aphrodite collection by Patrizia Volpato is inspired by the drapery of a refined statue of Aphrodite on view at the Altes Museum in Berlin. The lamps from the collection flicker with light, trying to emulate the dense, sophisticated drapery of the statue dedicated to the ancient Greek goddess.
Classical forms, medieval techniques and contemporary technology
The Aphrodite Collection combines classical sculptural form with medieval glassmaking techniques and contemporary 3D printing technology. Italian company Patrizia Volpato is known for cultivating the traditional Venetian crafting technique of Conteria. Protected by UNESCO, the Conteria technique includes glassblowing, cutting, and threading small glass beads to create intricate, luminous jewellery and textiles. By employing the Conteria method, the design preserves the traditional technique that is currently practised only by the Patrizia Volpato company.
Deeply rooted in the Venetian region, the Patrizia Volpato brand has been manufacturing high-quality lighting designs since 1980. The company combines tradition and modernity with an elegant blend of contemporary techniques and the ancient art of glass blowing typical of the Italian island of Murano.
Binder jetting 3D printers
The 3D printed elements of the Aphrodite lighting fixtures were made using cutting-edge binder jetting 3D printers, ensuring precision and exceptional aesthetic impact. 3D jets produce the smallest elements from stainless steel. These elements represent some of the most complex components crucial for the Aphrodite lamp design.
The extremely precise binder-jetting technology reduces the carbon footprint by approximately 40% in comparison to other production techniques. At the same time, the special selective binder glues only the steel powder useful to the components, thus minimising waste. The only company in Europe to mix such diverse processes, to such great success, the Patrizia Volpato brand created a collection that powerfully showcases the beauty that becomes light.
Recycled glass mounted on silk fibres
The light fixture is composed of many small glass beads made from recycled glass. The sustainable feature doesn’t affect the clarity or brightness of LED lights, deliberately chosen to improve efficiency while reducing energy use. The glass beads are threaded onto a silk fibre. Made naturally from mulberry, the fibres produce almost no waste as the byproducts are used in other industries. The trees themselves are grown in a sustainable manner without pesticides or damage to the ecosystem. Every kg of produced silk retains 732 kg of CO2, attenuating the impact of carbon dioxide.
Aphrodite collection by Patrizia Volpato conveys the notion of a timeless essence capable of transcending eras. The lighting fixture is a symbol of style, and Aphrodite luminaires also represent a reimagined and enhanced tribute to the cultural heritage of the Murano region in Italy. Aphrodite collection has won the LIT Lighting Design Award in the Artisan Glass Blown Lighting / Designer/Custom Lighting / Pendant Lighting category.
