Disco Volante – translating to "flying saucer" in Italian – carries a rich association with the iconic, sculptural, and streamlined 1952 Alfa Romeo two-seater coupé. Known for its aerodynamically optimized design, this vehicle is crafted from a low-slung aluminum gesture, resonating with those who appreciate both form and function. This heritage serves as a surprising source of inspiration for industrial designer Oscar Olsson‘s innovative creation, the fully automatic Disco Volante wall-mounted turntable concept. Although the turntable might initially seem unrelated to its automotive counterpart, a deeper inspection reveals intriguing parallels.
The genesis of Olsson’s design was an exploratory question in deconstruction: “If I were to make a turntable today, what would it look like?” His unique approach deconstructs the traditional turntable, separating each component into distinct elements. This methodology not only adds a playful touch but also unveils a delightful element of surprise in action. Olsson details his design philosophy: “The main driver of the design is the sharp contrast between the organic and vivid tonearm housing, and the rational and geometric metal framework.” This strategic separation creates an illusion where the tonearm housing appears as a distinct instrument orchestrating the music. With its hinged platter elevated from a perpendicular rest, the records give an impression of levitation, mirroring the ethereal quality of its namesake, the flying saucer.
The tonearm housing boasts an organic, undulating curvature, a homage to the same flowing forms that imbue the Alfa Romeo coupé with its unforgettable silhouette. Olsson’s intention was clear: “With Disco Volante, I wanted to utilize each material’s unique properties to let them largely influence the form.” He crafted the turntable’s framework from machined steel, providing a sturdy foundation, while the molded, vibrant plastic tonearm housing dominates visually. The thoughtful consideration of overall proportions and composition aims to achieve an aesthetically pleasing and balanced architecture.
The Disco Volante project is not Olsson’s inaugural foray into turntable design. He has been a pioneer in experimenting with vertical configurations for years, his previous designs showcasing a pragmatic approach reminiscent of a Dieter Rams device. In contrast, the emotionally expressive Disco Volante highlights his evolutionary design trajectory, integrating emotional resonance with functional pragmatism in a visually compelling package. Also be sure to check BÖNWERK Turntable.
