The 2010 Maison & Objet show was full of design wonders and retailer dreams, but the hall to be most enamored by was 7B. Not only was it the hall that housed Philippe Starck and his crew of 10 designers to look out for, but also the home of this year's grand display for the European Linen and Hemp Confederation.
The European Linen and Hemp Confederation enlisted the help of Francois Azambourg to create what looked like a giant hair hut, but in fact was a an experience of metal architecture covered with inspired linen and hemp material. This "sensory experience" designed by Azambourg was not only something to look at, but to touch, smell and be engulfed by.
Attendees could step inside the structure to look at other natural fiber-inspired materials. The only downside to such artwork was the smell. Although beautiful, intriguing and imaginative, one could compare the scent of this hut with that of an elephant exhibit. If you can get past that scent, the work is truly something to admire, be it the construction, ideation or merely the material.
Super-Sized Hair Huts
European Linen and Hemp Confederation Pair With Francois Azambourg
Trend Themes
1. Sensory Experiences - The giant hair hut with metal architecture and inspired linen and hemp material creates a unique sensory experience for viewers.
2. Natural Fiber-inspired Materials - The structure showcases other natural fiber-inspired materials, highlighting the growing trend of utilizing sustainable materials in design.
3. Multi-sensory Design - Francois Azambourg's creation not only focuses on visual aesthetics but also incorporates touch and smell, exemplifying the trend towards multi-sensory design experiences.
Industry Implications
1. Interior Design - The use of natural fiber-inspired materials and multi-sensory design creates disruptive innovation opportunities for the interior design industry.
2. Textile Manufacturing - The showcase of linen and hemp materials highlights the potential for disruptive innovation in the textile manufacturing industry, particularly in sustainable and eco-friendly materials.
3. Experiential Marketing - The concept of sensory experiences and multi-sensory design opens up new opportunities for marketers to create immersive and engaging brand experiences.