17 - ARDE - Outdoor Lamp (Carolina Fioretti and Amira Eldhazawy)

by Carolina Fioretti and Amira Eldhazawy

ARDE is an outdoor lamp born from the intersection of contemporary design and cultural heritage. Inspired by the rich folk traditions of Minucciano, the lamp pays tribute to an ancient ritual that still sparks the collective imagination: the Natalecci. This evocative ceremony takes place annually on the night of December 24th, when the village of Gorfigliano comes alive with spectacular bonfires steeped in symbolic meaning.

Rooted in pagan traditions connected to the solar cycle and purification rites, the Natalecci are towering cylindrical bonfires carefully crafted by intertwining juniper branches around a strong chestnut pole—creating a kind of flaming totem. These structures are erected on the most visible hilltops surrounding the village, where, at the sound of the bell marking the start of Christmas Eve prayers, they are lit simultaneously. The flames rise into the winter sky, offering a striking and emotional spectacle of collective participation.

The flame of the Natalecci symbolizes transition, rebirth, and hope. Historically, this ritual celebrated the return of light as the days began to lengthen after the winter solstice. Fire, the central element of the celebration, was seen as a powerful force of purification—warding off negativity and protecting the community.

The ARDE lamp honors this cultural legacy with an evocative and refined design. Its form deliberately echoes the shape of juniper berries and chestnut poles, both essential in the construction of the Natalecci. Designed for outdoor use—such as along the picturesque shores of Lake Gramolazzo—it emits a warm, enveloping light reminiscent of ritual bonfires, conveying a sense of welcome, continuity, and protection.

The lamp is crafted with a marble structure, referencing the shape of traditional chestnut stakes, and is divided into three main components: a truncated semi-cone base, a long cylindrical body, and a removable upper cover. The structure is internally hollowed to allow for cable routing and the insertion of a battery powered by solar panels. These solar panels, equipped with light sensors, collect energy during daylight hours to power the lamp autonomously at night.

Light is emitted through a transparent acrylic glass sphere, inspired by the form of juniper berries. The sphere is attached to the marble structure via an aluminum base, which also supports an internal LED light source. This LED is powered by the internal battery through cables running inside the lamp's core. The lamp's upper portion—completely removable—houses the external solar panel and internal power unit, and can be detached to allow maintenance and access to electrical components when needed.