Outdoor lighting is an area that’s been in need of some serious attention from the A+D community. Few designers think about it–hence the dearth of interesting creations meant to illuminate while also withstanding the elements. Let’s face it: making outdoor lighting isn’t the most glamorous of options. But it is essential, which is precisely how Antonio Citterio approached the task. With the help of Toan Nguyen, Citterio created Belvedere for lighting firm Flos. Founder of Antonio Citterio and Partners (in conjunction with Patricia Viel)–a multidisciplinary architecture, design, and graphics practice–Citterio is also the mind behind the modular Suita sofa system.

Belvedere. Designed by Antonio Citterio for Flos.

Citterio’s suite of outdoor lighting makes “the choice of a deliberately ‘understatement’ design.” The LED lamps, tall and short, single and double, are purposefully designed to be ignored: “These exterior lights have been conceived for being hidden and discrete objects that, immersed in a garden, can be perceived just vaguely.” Named Belvedere in honor of the Italian tradition of garden design, the Belvedere Collection uses LEDs as part of their camouflage technique–the lights do not emit heat and thus do not alter the state of nature. You should be able to enjoy the garden or patio or deck without even noticing where the points of light originate. No shocking floodlights here!

Belvedere is manufactured by Flos, the Italian lighting company that’s been offering cutting-edge lighting fixtures since 1962. Part of the Flos philosophy involves hiring up-and-coming designers: or, as they say, “Uncanny ability to spot emerging talent.” They are also the team behind Starck’s K-Ray Lamp.