maison&objet's 30 years with explorative 2024 theme terra cosmos

maison&objet 2024 is bound to be a cosmic year

With a continuation from the world of TECH EDEN, an exploration of synergy between technology and nature, Maison&Objet Fall 2024 presents the new and captivating theme, TERRA COSMOS. Scheduled to run from 05-09 September 2024 in Paris, this time, the trade fair dives into a cosmic vision where space and earth converge, creating a rich tapestry of universal fantasies and terrestrial realities. The theme is actually defined by the expert creative strategy consultancy Peclers Paris, who provide sociological insights into customer and professional trends in the design industry. The aim of the fair is to meet consumers’ desires for awe-inspiring experiences and remains grounded in the reality of showcasing novelty, creativity, and innovation. The fusion of science and magic gives rise to new narratives that also come through The Talks: Maison&Objet. designboom has the honor of running some of the talks and hosting keynote speakers such as Michael Young, Otto Ng (LAAB); and Yves Salomon among others.

Come meet designboom at Maison&Objet for talks, masterclasses, and experimental activities – see more info here!

(above) Molo – Benchwall – designed by Stephanie Forsythe + Todd MacAllen for Molo

all images courtesy of Maison&Objet, unless stated otherwise

terra cosmos penetrates the entire Maison&Objet ecosystem

Maison&Objet is one of the world’s foremost events for professionals in the lifestyle, interior design and design industries, where each edition brings together some 2,300 exhibitors and more than 67,000 unique visitors from Hong Kong, Italy, and the United States to name a few. To expand its territories, but really expand them, Maison&Objet dares go beyond – from the Cosmos to the Earth, and from the Earth to the Cosmos. The TERRA COSMOS theme will permeate the entire Maison&Objet ecosystem, influencing selections on the Maison&Objet and More (MOM) platform, showrooms, and events like the Design sur Cours exhibitions during Paris Design Week. This integration highlights the Parisian trade fair’s role as a catalyst for international creative talent, fostering discussions and inspiration both online and offline.

ImperfettoLab – LIMES, MOM

‘we can imagine ourselves as tourists in zero gravity’

The fascination with space travel, kindled by historical milestones like the moon landing, is experiencing a renaissance. Technological advancements have made the prospect of space tourism a real possibility, promising profound changes in our lifestyles. The 2024 theme positions humanity as an integral part of the cosmos, suggesting a responsibility to foster resilient and virtuous practices, encouraging the envisioning of ourselves as cosmic tourists, exploring zero gravity, and forging connections with the elements. Brune Ouakrat, Strategic Planner in charge of foresight at Peclers Paris, highlights the readiness of consumers for immersive, sensory experiences facilitated by advancements in smart materials, 3D technology, and AI. This new aesthetic, characterized by materials that are both brutalist and sophisticated, reflects a sensory futurism that transforms interiors into cosmic landscapes. Designers like Charlotte Cazals (Peclers Paris) emphasize matter that evokes the mineral surfaces of celestial bodies, with luminaires casting vibrant, shifting spectra.

‘In this new approach, it is no longer simply a matter of an extraterrestrial elsewhere. We are part of the cosmos, and this position implies responsibility, as well as resilient and virtuous creations and practices. It imposes a broader, more esoteric, magical vision in which we can imagine ourselves as tourists in zero gravity, choosing to claim the stars or seek beneficial connections with the elements,’ says Brune Ouakrat, Strategic Planner in charge of foresight at Peclers Paris.

ImperfettoLab – Beetle, MOM | image © DR

In the food and hospitality sectors, TERRA COSMOS expresses itself in the vastest of terms. Between immersive discoveries and extreme experiences, it is no longer enough to simply mobilise the senses; they must be amplified and confounded through both technology and whimsical storytelling. The Danish chef Rasmus Munk, who defines himself as an “alchemist”, is proud of this approach. His ‘holistic’ menu is best enjoyed in the immersive setting of his Copenhagen restaurant, where he takes guests on a journey from the depths of the sea up to the northern lights. To set foot in the El Cosmico hotel, in a deserted Texan landscape, is an experience on the border between the cosmic and the terrestrial. This luxury campsite will soon be equipped with 3D-printed dwellings so that, as promised, you can escape the pressures of everyday life, reconnect with your senses, and observe the celestial vault.

Retail spaces are also embracing cosmic references, combining futuristic designs with digital shopping experiences. From Acne Studios to Moncler’s Tokyo pop-up store, these spaces reflect a new consumerism influenced by the metaverse and avant-garde aesthetics. The designs often feature chrome, transparency, and glass, inspired by artists like Hugo Fournier and Harry Nuriev.

Lexon – Lampe portable bolla +- M&O J24, Smart Gift

The TERRA COSMOS theme is set to be tangibly represented at the show through product curation, events, and guided visitor routes marked by the TERRA COSMOS symbol. Curators François Delclaux and Elizabeth Leriche bring their unique interpretations to the ‘What’s New? In Retail and What’s New? In Decor spaces,’ creating displays that inspire and surprise with a wide range of products sourced from exhibitors and integrated into inspiring displays. Maison&Objet aims to combine experiential foresight with practicality through various experiences, round table discussions, masterclasses, and experimental activities. Meanwhile, the Well-Being Experience, ‘What’s New? In Hospitality,’ space will be assigned entirely by the next Designer of the Year.

‘To meet the challenges facing professionals, Maison&Objet relies on one of the levers that makes it unique – its large international community of recognised experts in the decoration and design industries – to share and lead exchanges that are as relevant as they are instructive,’ points out Mélanie Leroy, Maison&Objet’s Managing Director.

Signature – Songe | image © Elodie Dupuis

The Talks: Maison&Objet is another part of the fair that strives to combine experiential foresight with usefulness. Run by designboom, on Thursday, September 5th, Michael Young and architect Otto Ng will engage in a dialogue on the topic ‘Conscious Design: Two Gazes Made in Asia’. Additionally, on the Saturday, Zoran Chapo, Pierre Chapo, Marcelin Boyer, and Yves Salomon highlight their partnership with a talk about ‘Fashion and Interior Design in Search of Sustainable Solutions.’ Notable to add, Pierre Chapo and Yves Salomon had a significant collaboration at Dimore Centrale during the last Design Week in Milan.

Signature – Homa