In the realm of contemporary lighting design, few names evoke the same level of admiration as Bocci. Renowned for its artistic vision, cutting-edge technology, and sculptural elegance, Bocci lighting has become a staple in high-end residential, commercial, and hospitality interiors worldwide. With each piece balancing form and function, Bocci goes beyond mere illumination—it creates immersive experiences.
Founded in 2005 in Vancouver, Canada, Bocci quickly established itself as a leader in avant-garde lighting. The company’s creative director and co-founder, Omer Arbel, has been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of design, blending materials science with aesthetic experimentation. Each Bocci light fixture is a unique expression of both artistry and innovation.
The Bocci Design Philosophy
Bocci’s approach to lighting design is unconventional, rooted in experimentation, craftsmanship, and organic imperfection. Rather than creating products to fit specific trends or traditional categories, the brand adopts a more fluid and exploratory approach. Arbel’s background in architecture and material research plays a critical role in shaping the company’s design ethos.
A key aspect of Bocci’s philosophy is celebrating irregularity. Many of its signature pieces feature hand-blown glass with bubbles, folds, or asymmetries that make each fixture slightly different. This embrace of imperfection mirrors natural forms, adding character to every installation.
Signature Collections
Bocci’s collections are identified by numbers, rather than names—a subtle nod to the experimental process behind each design. Each number represents a distinct family of lighting fixtures, characterized by its method of fabrication, materiality, and visual impact. Below are a few of Bocci’s most iconic series:
14 Series
The 14 series is Bocci’s first and most recognizable collection. Introduced in 2005, it features transparent cast-glass spheres with a frosted cylindrical void that houses a low-voltage lamp. When installed in clusters, these spheres emit a soft, candle-like glow, mimicking the appearance of natural stone or ice. The 14 series is especially popular in stairwells, dining areas, and commercial lobbies, where its clusters can be scaled to dramatic effect.
28 Series
The 28 series takes Bocci’s glass-blowing technique a step further. Through a complex process, artisans trap multiple air pockets within each glass sphere, creating intricate and unpredictable internal structures. Each pendant features an internal cavity that accommodates the bulb, resulting in both a functional and sculptural object.
73 Series
Inspired by the properties of fabric and ceramic, the 73 series involves blowing molten glass into a heat-resistant ceramic fabric, which cools and hardens around the glass in unpredictable folds. The result is a soft, textile-like texture encased in glass, evoking a sense of fluidity and fragility.
84 Series
In the 84 series, a white glass orb is captured inside a larger globe made from molten, clear glass. The unique layering effect and internal reflection give this series a luminous depth. The 84 fixtures are often used in statement chandeliers and high-impact installations.
Applications in Interior Design
Bocci lights are highly versatile and often used as functional art installations. While each pendant or fixture works as a standalone piece, the brand’s strength lies in its ability to create scalable compositions. Designers frequently use Bocci lights in the following ways:
- Stairwells and Atriums: Large multi-drop pendants create a dramatic vertical presence, perfect for double-height spaces.
- Dining Areas: Clusters of pendants over a table offer both intimacy and elegance.
- Reception and Lobby Spaces: Bocci’s sculptural lights become focal points, elevating the design of hotels, offices, and galleries.
- Custom Installations: Because Bocci offers highly customizable configurations, designers can tailor installations to fit unique spatial and conceptual needs.
Craftsmanship and Materials
Each Bocci fixture is handmade at the company’s glass atelier in Vancouver or its workshop in Berlin. The hands-on process ensures no two pieces are identical, lending authenticity and exclusivity to every order.
Materials include:
- Hand-blown glass in clear, smoked, or colored finishes
- Ceramic and metal components in matte or polished tones
- Custom canopy systems for intricate hanging configurations
Bocci also takes sustainability seriously, with many of its materials sourced locally and its production processes continually evolving to minimize waste.
Customization and Innovation
A significant part of Bocci’s appeal lies in its modular and customizable systems. Clients can choose the number of pendants, cable lengths, finishes, and canopy styles to suit their space. The ability to create installations with 3, 20, or even over 100 pendants opens up endless creative possibilities.
The company also invests in research and innovation, often developing its own proprietary tools and techniques. This commitment to experimentation allows Bocci to stay at the forefront of contemporary lighting design.
Conclusion
Bocci lighting stands at the intersection of art, technology, and interior design. With its emphasis on craftsmanship, organic aesthetics, and customizable installations, Bocci has revolutionized the way designers approach lighting. More than a source of light, Bocci fixtures become sculptural centerpieces—inviting, poetic, and deeply original. Whether used in a minimalist home or a grand hotel lobby, Bocci lights redefine what it means to illuminate a space with style and substance.
