Fanalet, the iconic lantern by Manel Molina, now reimagined as a pendant light

Designed by Manel Molina and produced by Bover, the Fanalet lighting collection draws on the ancestral form of the lantern to bring a timeless presence into contemporary spaces. With its roots in medieval pathways and its evolution traced through modern boulevards, Bover reimagines this emblematic object with a refined sensitivity that respects its origin story.

In the world of design, some objects do more than illuminate—they tell stories. The lantern, with its unmistakable silhouette and time-honored presence, has long been a silent guide, from shadowy alleyways to elegant promenades. With Fanalet, Molina captures that legacy and recasts it through a contemporary lens, bringing industrial robustness into graceful dialogue with the warmth and elegance of modern living. Originally designed for outdoor spaces, these pieces now find their way indoors—naturally and effortlessly, like light slipping through a doorway.

Pendant lights, sconces, street lamps—each typology shares a refined geometry and honest materials: aluminum, steel, brass. The exterior’s brown finish contrasts with a white interior, creating a quiet, almost meditative light meant not to dominate but to inspire an atmosphere. Here, light control is not a technical act but an emotional one.

From functional object to architectural symbol

Once a necessity, the lantern has become an ornament. In the 18th century it marked plazas and pathways; today it can define a rooftop terrace or the lobby of a five-star hotel. Bover embraces this duality, translating it into a versatile collection capable of inhabiting anything from private gardens to sophisticated interiors.

That versatility is no accident. It’s the result of meticulous exploration into form, space, and technology. Which is why Fanalet transcends its outdoor origins, evolving into an indoor lighting solution without losing its formal integrity.

Project: Fanalet. Versión colgante.
Design: Estudi Manel Molina.
Design year: 2024.

Manel Molina

In the world of design, some careers unfold quietly yet leave a profound mark. Manel Molina’s is one of them—a path woven between Barcelona’s design heritage and a contemporary outlook that has evolved without losing its authenticity.

Born in Barcelona in 1963, Molina studied design and interior architecture at EINA, one of Catalonia’s most influential design schools. His professional journey began in 1985 at the legendary Miguel Milà studio, where he absorbed the essence of an honest, functional, deeply human design approach.

Alongside stints at architectural firms such as Fco. Llorens, Molina explored various creative fields from an early age: visual merchandising, renovations, ephemeral installations. A multifaceted approach that hinted early on at a broader curiosity—one that viewed design as a cross-disciplinary tool.

In 1991, he took a pivotal step by founding the Lievore Altherr Molina studio alongside Alberto Lievore and Jeannette Altherr. From then on, the studio became a benchmark of contemporary Spanish design, merging product design, interiors, and packaging with a strong emphasis on art direction. Their work is recognized for its formal clarity, balance between the technical and poetic, and a subtle yet persistent Mediterranean sensibility.

During this period, Molina also developed a strong pedagogical presence, mentoring new generations of designers in universities across Spain. His work has received both national and international recognition, showcased in the major design capitals of the world: Milan, Stockholm, Chicago, Tokyo, New York, London, Paris, and many others. His pieces, ideas, and processes have been featured in design publications worldwide.

In 2016, Molina began a new chapter with the creation of Estudi Manel Molina, continuing to explore design from a more personal perspective. Supported by a stable team—Raimon Monsarro, Daniel Castro, and Blanca Roigé—the studio specializes in product design, furniture, and brand communication, maintaining a consistent approach defined by formal simplicity, sustainability, and contextual sensitivity.

Today, Estudi Manel Molina stands as a symbol of creative maturity—a serene aesthetic that doesn’t shy away from innovation, and a commitment to design as a tool for improvement, both functional and emotional. A practice that looks forward while always honoring what came before.

Source: Bover and Estudi Manel Molina.

Project by Manel Molina