Andrea Mancuso's LUMIAC chandelier moves like a living creature at Milan Design Week 2026

During Milan Design Week 2026, Andrea Mancuso unveiled LUMIAC, an autonomous motorized chandelier that challenges the distinction between a tool and an agent. Located at Nilufar's historic gallery on Via della Spiga, the chandelier showcases cast aluminum arms extending from a central core, with integrated motors that facilitate its movement and glass spheres that emit a gentle glow. The name LUMIAC stands for Light Unit Mechanised Intelligence Apparatus Computer, inspired by the MANIAC computer from the 1950s. Collaborating with Kriskadecor, a Spanish firm established in 1926 in Montblac, Mancuso incorporated aluminum chain curtains in shades of coffee and amethyst. He dedicated significant time to programming its movements to appear organic—characterized by asymmetry, hesitation, and a breathing quality—rather than mechanical, prompting reflections on empathy towards artificial entities.