This article may require copy editing for grammar, style, cohesion, tone, or spelling. You can assist by editing it. (January 2025) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
The Cifra 3 [ˈtʃiːfra ˈtre] is a digital flip clock manufactured by Solari di Udine, S.p.A., Italy designed by Italian architect Gino Valle [it] (1923–2003) in 1965, with significant contribution from John Myer, a Belgian inventor, and typography design by Massimo Vignelli. The Cifra 3 is widely considered a masterpiece of industrial design, using a split-flap display to display hours and minutes. The Cifra 3 was included in the the 2004 "Humble Masterpieces" exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and is also the museum's permanent collection. Many other museums include the piece in their collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Science Museum in London and the Israel Museum in Jerusalem.
History
Gino Valle's relationship with the Solari company began in 1954 with the design of the Cifra 5 electromechanical digit-snap clock (patented in 1957), consisting of 4 vertical pallets of 10 numbers each making up all the hours. The Cifra 5 clock was the progenitor of a full-fledged family of industrial-type clocks, awarded the Compasso d'Oro in 1956. With the help of Belgian inventor John Meyer, a roll of 48 pallets was achieved, leading to the creation of the smallest direct-reading clock, the iconic Cifra 3, ideal for keeping at home or in the office.
See also
References
- ^ "Gino Valle, clocks, and the fusion of technology and design". Fondazione Pirelli. 2020-10-14. Retrieved 2024-12-28.
- "Gino Valle. Cifra 3 Clock. 1965". The Museum of Modern Art. Retrieved 2025-01-22.
- "Cifra 3" Table Clock, 1965, retrieved 2025-01-22
- "Gino Valle, Cifra 3 cCock". Israel Museum (in Hebrew). Retrieved 2025-01-22.
- ^ "Cifra 3". Solari lineadesign (Solari di Udine SpA). Retrieved 2024-07-07.
- "CIFRA 5 CLOCK". ADI Design Museum. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
- Design : la storia completa. Elizabeth Wilhide. Valsamoggia (BO): Atlante. 2017. ISBN 978-88-7455-133-0. OCLC 1090156975.
{{cite book}}
: CS1 maint: others (link)
External links
- Cifra 3 web site
- Solari di Udine S.p.A. official web site
- Storia del disegno industriale, prodotto: CIFRA 3, design: GINO VALLE
- The Solari Cifra 3 clock and Gino Valle's philanthropic vision
- PDF list (see p. 10) from MoMA's 2004 Humble Masterpieces exhibition