ARTICA – the first Manooi chandelier

It’s like a star up in the sky that hypnotizes you with its radiant beauty. The centrepiece of any space, our elliptical ARTICA model chandelier looks best above dining room tables, in living rooms, or in just about any place where it is allowed to define a space. As an element of exquisite interior design composition, it boldly shows off its strong character and can really animate a room – completely changing it by adding a classic elegance. 

Inspired by classic chandeliers in an archaic, old-world shop, MANOOI’s ARTICA reinvents the genre by having no identical cross sections. In fact, the lamp has a dynamic fluctuation to it, which our designers intended. This means that from every angle you look at it, it’s like a statue – exhibiting harmony, but also giving off a welcoming warmth.

ARTICA is so emblematic that MANOOI approached Swarovski to come up with a crystal stone specifically mimicking its shape; today, it’s a company trademark of sorts, as one of these custom-designed crystal pieces is featured on every MANOOI chandelier.

A star is born

ARTICA not only looks stunning, we also have great affection for us as it was MANOOI’s first lighting creation. Its designer, János Héder, says his objective was a lamp that had some sort of directional dynamic within the space – a front and a back. He also sought out a form that had a deep harmony, where the inner and outer contours shared the same line. With a strong belief that people love pebble-like forms, he was convinced they were onto something.

After coming up with numerous drafts, he showed it to his wife and MANOOI co founder, Judit Zoltai, and she told him which version was best. He says she “nailed it”, and they assembled their first mock-up of ARTICA in the cellar of their home.

Grand introduction

ARTICA made its fabulous debut at a Milan design show in an exhibition booth, which was a partially open space. János Héder recalls the objective was to come up with lighting that would really catch people’s attention and lure them into the booth. He says he didn’t want to install something totally classical, because that’s not what the show was about – but he also didn’t want it to be too modern. Visitors swarmed the booth in Milan – ARTICA proved a smashing success!

With a very serious aura and staying power, ARTICA has been MANOOI’s bestseller ever since. What’s more, the company’s co founders, Judit and János, are still so fond of their luxury chandelier, they even have one hanging in their home.