The best lighting is rarely noticed. Architects understand this instinctively. The rest of us simply feel it—in the calm of a room, the warmth of a home and the quiet confidence of a beautifully resolved space. Light shapes architecture long before we become aware of it, and few companies have championed that philosophy more profoundly than Viabizzuno.
In partnership with Viabizzuno
Before products came philosophy. Founder Mario Nanni challenged architects to see lighting not as a finishing touch but as an integral part of the architectural process. During my first visit to the Viabizzuno Light Lab in East Melbourne, I was introduced to his Eight Rules of Light, a philosophy that reframed light as something that reveals materiality, creates atmosphere and shapes the way we inhabit space. It wasn’t simply a different way of designing luminaires—it was a different way of seeing architecture.
Architect Anthony Gill specified the Viabizzuno n55 ceiling lights throughout the building and Peter Zumthor’s Viabizzuno Barra D’oro suspension light over the dining table in Clifton House. Photography by Prue Ruscoe
Ten Years Together
Over the past decade, est has had the privilege of sharing that philosophy with our audience. From four consecutive Milan Design Weeks to showroom launches in Sydney and Melbourne, we have watched Viabizzuno evolve while remaining steadfast in its values. We have celebrated new collections, recognised the Roy Wall Light as a Future Classic, and featured Peter Zumthor’s extraordinary home illuminated with characteristic restraint.
Perhaps more telling is how often the Roy Wall Light appears in the homes of Australia’s leading architects. Across the many residences we have published, it has become a quiet signature—chosen not for attention, but for its ability to let architecture speak.
At the centre of this journey has been John Bechini. Over the past decade, he has never simply presented products. Instead, he has shared knowledge, thoughtful case studies and a deeper understanding of light’s role in architecture. His consistency, generosity and commitment to the design community have earned something more valuable than recognition—they have earned trust.
Looking Ahead
Reflecting on ten years together, I realise our relationship with Viabizzuno has never been defined by product launches alone. It has been about documenting a philosophy that continues to influence Australian architecture.Viabizzuno reminds us that light is one of architecture’s first decisions, not its last. It reinforces that craftsmanship is timeless, research is never complete and curiosity remains essential to meaningful design.
As est looks towards the future, those values feel more relevant than ever. Care, craftsmanship, research and curiosity continue to define exceptional architecture, enduring partnerships and thoughtful publishing. We are proud to have shared this journey with John Bechini and the Viabizzuno team, and we look forward to the decade ahead.
Clifton House by Anthony Gill Architects. Photography by Prue Ruscoe
Our ambition was never simply to introduce exceptional lighting. It was to champion a philosophy where light becomes an integral part of architecture itself. Seeing that vision embraced has been the greatest privilege."
– John Bechini, Managing Director, Viabizzuno Australia
The bedroom in Arc Side by Jolson features the Roy Tavolo table lamp by Mario Nanni. Photography by Lucas Allen
The Roy wall light by Mario Nanni in Veil by Madeleine Blanchfield. Photography by Anson Smart
“Light discovers and reads architecture. Light and material accompany each other.”
– Mario Nanni, Founder of Viabizzuno
Viabizzuno Sydney showroom. Photography by Alicia Taylor
Managing director John Bechini in the Viabizzuno Sydney showroom. Photography by Alicia Taylor
The Viabizzuno Sydney showroom. Photography by Nicole England
