At AtKris Studio, we are proud to spotlight the work of Gae Aulenti (1927–2012)—an architect and designer whose fearless spirit helped redefine the landscape of Italian design in the 20th century. One of the few prominent female voices in a male-dominated postwar design culture, Aulenti brought intellect, wit, and a deep respect for history into everything she touched—from interiors and architecture to lighting and glass.
Best known to many for her transformative architectural projects, such as the Musée d'Orsay in Paris and the renovation of Milan’s Palazzo Grassi, Aulenti’s design language was grounded in contrast: she balanced bold, sculptural forms with subtle materiality, and combined historical reverence with modernist innovation. Her celebrated Pipistrello lamp (1965), with its telescopic base and bat-like diffuser, is now an icon of mid-century lighting design.
But beyond furniture and architecture, Aulenti also explored the expressive potential of glass. In the 1990s, she began a fruitful collaboration with the historic Murano glass company Venini, where she designed a series of vessels that reflect her architectural mindset and her sculptural sensibility. Among these is the striking Riccio vase—named for its sea urchin-like texture (riccio meaning “urchin” in Italian). Crafted using traditional Murano techniques, the Riccio combines ancient glass artistry with Aulenti’s bold, contemporary vision. Its surface, marked by rhythmic protrusions and luminous depth, is both tactile and poetic—a testament to her ability to merge form and feeling.
Aulenti’s work resists easy categorization. It is conceptual yet functional, modern yet timeless. At AtKris Studio, we are honored to offer original pieces and rare editions that reflect her unique legacy—objects that are not just beautiful, but deeply thought-provoking.
Explore our curated collection of Gae Aulenti designs, and experience the enduring impact of one of Italy’s most fearless creative minds.
