Artuce

Artuce is a newcomer to the world of French publishing. The name blends the words architecture, art of living, art, astuce (trick), and the Italian term luce, meaning light. A whole host of possibilities… This young brand aims to become a high-end benchmark in the world of contemporary lighting. As seen by Artuce, lighting becomes an object of daily stage production, one that re-qualifies space or that renews uses. Design lies at the heart of the thinking behind it – somewhere between function and imagination. Artuce relies on the century-old know-how of the Roger Pradier company, one of the last French companies to manufacture outdoor lighting.Producing 80 000 lighting units per year, the company – which has fewer than 50 employees – is a guarantor of a living industrial heritage that continues the tradition of techniques derived from tin-smithing. Artuce products derive even more form this wonderful manufacturing tool, without there being any requirement to do so. Artuce makes use of all types of materials, the only condition being that it chooses its partners from amongst French or European firms. The entire collection benefits from the expertise of Roger Pradier, with wide experience of safety standards and other technical requirements that are specific to the sector, which is a reliable guarantee of quality. Artuce domesticates light and opens up a large field for exploration. It is a laboratory for new ideas. Six designers of recognised talent have been given carte blanche to come up with original concepts. Gilles Belley, Stéphane Joyeux, Philippe Nigro, Patrick Norguet, and Normal Studio (alias Jean-François Dingjian and Eloi Chafaï) took up the invitation. They explored different pathways and typologies to design a multi-faceted collection that adapts equally well to use inside and outside a house – which calls for fault-free products. All items are offered in fluorescent or LED versions. Each project carries a strong idea that makes the best use of light and of its output.