Design District

For 30 years, Maison&Objet has celebrated design through two unique themed editions each year. The next event, scheduled for 4 to 8 September 2025, has plenty of new features in store. One of them is the Design District, a new incubator space where youth and innovation reign supreme, which will be skilfully managed by the emerging studio Hall Haus. We meet one of the brains behind the project, the collective’s co-founder Sammy Bernoussi.

How did this collaboration come about?
We were invited to the previous edition (January 2023) by the organisers of Paris Design Week. Our colourful stand stood out. Instead of carpet, we had marked out an area with exposed concrete and placed a few flags high up for everyone to see. The organisers were struck by the scenography, because a month ago we were contacted to come up with the visual identity and universe for this new place that gives a voice to new talent: the Design District.

What is the “Design District”?
Unlike the edition planned for the beginning of the year, which featured the usual exhibitors, visitors will discover a new space for expression. Maison&Objet has been given a makeover, offering a creative journey that combines the latest trends and emerging figures on the design scene.

Who will we find in this new space – any profiles not to be missed?
The list of participants is slowly being revealed, with Rayon Vert Studio, Atelier Mahd, Maison Arpelli and talents such as Marine Peyre, Procédés Chénel and Swedish audio systems brand Transparent.

What guidelines were given by Maison&Objet? What role did you play here?
You could say we were given carte blanche, with a few guidelines to follow and shared objectives. We imagined the visual universe of the Design District: from signage to logo design, including the graphic charter and all visual content. The medium itself was designed to be a true communication tool, both physical – at the trade show, with three-dimensional graphics – and digital, once dematerialised… But that’s all we’re saying for now!

What were your main sources of inspiration?
Our design studio draws on accessible design references. And we’ve stayed true to our universe. I’d say it’s a district influenced by sports iconography in general, by urban branding and signage. Here, the object and the space are central. With this idea in mind, we wanted to play with volume, with a logo that works just as well in motion (animated) as it does flat. This allows it to evolve seamlessly across all types of media, from multi-platform programmes to social media.

What challenges do you face when thinking about semantics for a space like this?
At trade shows as iconic as Maison&Objet, you are quickly confronted with an overload of information. The stimuli are constant, the space visually saturated. You have to think about how to emerge from this flow, how to assert your universe while standing out from the crowd. We designed the identity with all this in mind. As for the logo, it had to meet several criteria: it had to be legible and recognisable in the space, while remaining consistent with the visual identity of the trade show, so it had to be both attractive and meaningful. The challenge was to strike the right balance.

Rumour has it that you will be unveiling some exclusive designs. Can you give us a sneak preview?
We will be in a space attached to the District, designed as a world unto itself. We will be unveiling some new products, yes, in keeping with our DNA. Without giving too much away, they will be everyday objects, accessible and carefully designed, with a particular focus on functionality! •

photos : Transparent Speaker, Transparent © Hans-Joachim Schulz • Louis chair, Maison Arpelli © Arnaud Pellissier, Maison Arpelli • Shallot vase from the Vegetables collection, Atelier mahd, 3D printed from recycled plastic filament and corn starct © goddbye.studio