Matter and Shape Makes Bold Return to Paris, Redefining Design’s Future
Paris, the global epicenter of art and design, welcomes back Matter and Shape for its highly anticipated second edition from October 12–28, 2024. This avant-garde exhibition, held at the historic Palais de Tokyo, cements its reputation as a platform where material innovation intersects with radical design, drawing curators, architects, and luxury brands eager to witness the “future of form.”
What’s New in 2024?
Building on its acclaimed debut, this year’s edition expands its focus on sustainability and biotechnology, featuring over 50 designers from 20 countries. Highlights include:
- Living Materials Pavilion: Fungi-based textiles, self-healing concrete, and algae-derived polymers.
- AI-Crafted Furniture: Algorithm-generated chairs and tables, 3D-printed with zero waste.
- Collaborative Labs: Designers and scientists co-creating in real time, open to public observation.
“Our goal is to dissolve boundaries between science and aesthetics,” said curator Élise Laurent. “This year, we’re proving that sustainability can be as luxurious as it is revolutionary.”
Spotlight on Rising Talent
- Anaïs Marroc (France): Modular marble lighting powered by kinetic energy.
- Tomas Varga (Czech Republic): Carbon-negative ceramics fused with recycled glass.
- Lila Yamamoto (Japan): Sound-absorbing bamboo installations inspired by forest ecosystems.
Why Design Insiders Are Flocking Here
- Exclusive Launches: Limited-edition pieces from Loewe’s innovation arm and Hermès’ material lab.
- Interactive Workshops: Hands-on sessions on biofabrication and digital sculpting.
- NFT Integration: Digital twins of physical designs, tradable via blockchain.
Visitor Experience: Beyond the Ordinary
- Tactile Tours: Blindfolded explorations to experience designs through touch and sound.
- Pop-Up Talks: Daily panels with pioneers like Philippe Starck and Iris van Herpen.
- Night Sessions: After-hours DJ sets paired with dynamic light installations.
Global Impact & Industry Buzz
With 80% of exhibitors prioritizing circular design principles, Matter and Shape is shaping luxury’s eco-conscious pivot. LVMH and Google Home have already partnered to adapt exhibition concepts for retail and tech spaces.
Event Details
- Dates: October 12–28, 2024
- Location: Palais de Tokyo, Paris
- Tickets: €25–€50 (proceeds fund youth design scholarships)
Info: matterandshapeparis.com
Matter and Shape’s second edition underscores a seismic shift in design: materials are no longer mere components but storytellers. By marrying biotechnology with artistry, the event challenges creators to rethink functionality and ethics in tandem. In an era of climate urgency, its emphasis on regenerative materials offers a blueprint for luxury’s survival—proving that innovation isn’t just about what we make, but how we remake the world. Paris, once again, positions itself not just as a trendsetter, but as a laboratory for tomorrow.
