An entrance illuminated by rows of light bulbs, a pillar wrapped in a spiral of light, columns transformed into luminous structures, gold-finished rosette wall lights and a large multicoloured chandelier at the centre of the dining area. At the new Luigia restaurant in Basel, traditional Italian luminarie are not isolated decorative elements: they become a distinctive design language that extends across different spaces and surfaces, integrating seamlessly into the interior architecture.
For Studio Light Mariano, the project involved developing a series of bespoke lighting elements, each with its own visual and aesthetic function while maintaining a recognisable identity throughout the space. The finishes were carefully selected to complement the colours of the architectural surfaces on which the individual elements would be installed.
Traditional materials, purpose-made configurations
Most of the lighting elements are made from wood and feature E14 light bulbs: materials and components traditionally associated with Salento luminarie, here adapted to permanent architectural lighting installations within a restaurant interior.
The diversity of the project is reflected in its dimensions, geometries and finishes. Alongside the wooden compositions are gold-finished rosettes and a custom outdoor illuminated sign featuring Pulcinella, a reference to Luigia's Neapolitan identity. The sign is made from aluminium, acrylic and LED strips, with a matte powder-coated finish.
The objective was to preserve the distinctive visual language of traditional Italian luminarie without treating them as standard decorative objects. Each element was designed in relation to the surface it occupies, the distance from which it is viewed and the other illuminated features within the space.
From temporary festive architecture to contemporary hospitality
The Luigia restaurant in Basel demonstrates how traditional Italian luminarie can evolve from temporary decorative installations into permanent features of contemporary restaurant architecture. The project's value lies not only in the individual lighting elements but also in the way their design creates visual continuity between the entrance, walls, columns and ceiling.
Through bespoke lighting design and production, Studio Light Mariano adapts this heritage of forms, materials and light to contemporary hospitality interiors, preserving its distinctive character while reinterpreting its scale, function and placement.
Project: Luigia, Basel, Switzerland
Bespoke luminous elements: Studio Light Mariano
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