Mayday Lamp

Design

Mayday originated from the concept of a lamp intended to be used with the same immediacy as a common tool. Its robust structure, large handle, and long power cord make it easy to move and position anywhere throughout the home.

The handle serves multiple purposes: it can be used to carry the lamp, hang it up, or neatly store the electrical cord. The diffuser also contributes to this versatility, featuring a slim, triangular opening that allows Mayday to be suspended from a suitable support point.

The result is an object that is intentionally direct and intuitive, where every detail addresses a specific functional need.

Lighting and Functionality

Mayday emits diffused light through its conical, opaline diffuser, making it suitable for both ambient lighting and more specific, temporary tasks.

The lamp is operated via a push-button switch located directly on the handle, ensuring easy access during use.

It uses an E27 base light source with a maximum capacity of 60 W. The recommended LED light source is 11.5 W with a luminous flux of 1100 lm; it is not included with the product.

A lamp for versatile use

The strength of Mayday lies in its versatility; it is not tied to any single, fixed location.

It can be placed on the floor or on a surface, carried using its large handle, or hung up via its built-in hook. This flexibility makes it easy to move between the living room, bedroom, study, or any other space in the home, depending on your needs.

Furthermore, the cord can be wrapped around the handle when the lamp is being stored or moved, keeping everything neat and compact.

Materials and sustainability

The conical, opaline diffuser is injection-molded from sustainable polypropylene, derived from industrial manufacturing waste.

The design also accounts for the product’s end-of-life phase. No glues are used during assembly, making it easier to separate the components and facilitating proper disassembly and recycling.

These features evolve the identity of a design that originated in 1999, placing a greater emphasis on material selection and circularity.

An icon by Konstantin Grcic

Konstantin Grcic designed Mayday in 1999 based on a core principle: to create an accessible, functional lamp capable of adapting spontaneously to everyday needs.

Even its name reflects this dual nature. “Mayday” evokes the well-known distress signal, while also carrying the positive connotations associated with spring and the month of May.

The design embodies the concept of a democratic, practical approach—stripped of any superfluous elements—where the object’s versatility stems directly from its form.

In 2001, Mayday was awarded the Compasso d’Oro.

Versatility and adaptability

Mayday does not dictate a single, definitive function or position. The same lamp can support various activities and be easily moved from one space to another.

It can serve as an additional light source near a reading area, provide ambient lighting in a living room or bedroom, or be suspended when there is a need to clear the surface below.

Furthermore, its essential and functional aesthetic allows it to blend naturally into both contemporary interiors and more eclectic settings.

Main features

- Maximum power: 60 W
- Voltage: 220–250 V
- Base: E27
- Recommended LED light source: 11.5 W
- Luminous flux: 1100 lm
- Light bulb not included
- Switch included