Nimbus 2022 is an ode to the Harry Potter universe

Broomsticks, capes and wands: the accoutrements that adorned the characters of our favourite sci-fi literary and cinematic universe, once again unite us in a nostalgic parade this 20th year since the first visual counterpart of the Harry Potter franchise hit the cinema halls and homes. The franchise has managed to unanimously unite Potterheads across the globe for over two decades. While fresher and more layered stories have also visited us through elaborate best-selling storybook series, blockbuster movies and digital shows, the stories of The Boy Who Lived – his friends and foes have remained timeless. The symbols and objects from the wizarding world are often recreated in the muggle universe either as odes to the fantastical series of books and movies or as a means to quench the insatiable desire of Potterheads globally.

This unwavering support and love for the story of the magical world saw further intensification upon the arrival of the 20th anniversary of the film series. Over the past few months, we have witnessed a large paraphernalia of dedicatory launches, both in the realm of the physical sphere as well as in the virtual spectrum. One such product that also references the famous franchise is the Nimbus 2022 - Harry Potter broomstick, designed by Italian product designer Simone Caronni. “On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Harry Potter literary and cinematographic saga, I thought of redesigning one of the most representative magical objects of the magic world,” says Caronni.

Made out of aluminium instead of wood, the broom carries a proper seat with foot rests on either side of the stick. It almost appears like it has jumped straight out of a quidditch tournament and is ready to take us through the lanes of Diagon Alley. The Nimbus 2000, Nimbus 2001 and Firebolt brooms that often amounted to envious glances from Harry’s classmates have managed to inspire this technologically advanced design by the Italian designer. Nimbus 2022 comprises an elongated leather saddle that makes for comfortable seating and adjustable footrests on either side of the broomstick.

The other end of the broom features a leather covering that enables the user to establish a firm grip on the broomstick. Beyond that, the stick comprises a screen with a keypad that holds two buttons. The buttons are intended to help the user monitor their speed, altitude and geographic location during flight. While the design of the broomstick serves the purpose of offering a much needed nostalgic respite to the Potterheads, it would not be too bold to declare that it may be possible to design a functionally adept flying broomstick in the near future. The functional additions on Nimbus 2022 by Caronni further cater to this hopeful assumption.

Nimbus 2022 at once transports one to the adventurous universe of Hogwarts, while also inducing a semblance of hope for a functional broomstick, all through the usage of the latest offerings of technology that are otherwise utilised in common modes of transport. The usage of a material like aluminium for the body of the broom lends both lightness and sleekness to the flying object, while the cylindrical metal joint towards the backend of the broom ensures that the broom stays in a cohesive state by holding both the pedalboard as well as the carbon fibre insert that binds the feathers of the broom. The brooms come in the representative colours of all four houses of Hogwarts, while also carrying the insignias of Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw respectively. Nimbus 2022 carries the essence and charm of the archaic world where witches and wizards travelled on broomsticks, whilst also hinting towards a technologically adept future that poses the possibility of turning these legends into reality.