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 a...