Back to basics

Jean-Marie Massaud speaks to CID about the connection between nature and design.

Born in Toulouse in 1966, Jean-Marie Massaud was a child fascinated by science, who dreamt of becoming an inventor.

After graduating from ENSCI in Paris in 1990, he discovered the intimate link between design and architecture, and began to relate it to the creation of our environment and life experience. His inventiveness and enthusiasm allowed him to cross boundaries and partake in the design of various entities, from submarines to perfume bottles.

In 2000, he founded Studio Massaud, a partnership with Daniel Pouzet. With the aim of creating ‘universes of life', he extended his expertise to architecture, consequently redefining the architectural identity of Lancôme, Renault and Poltrona Frau.

Massaud has subsequently talked of his quest for osmosis between nature and culture, and intelligence and sensibility, where individuals take centre stage and where the quest for a qualitative rather than quantitative life experience prevails.

A quest for meaning is often inherent in his work, relating to a holistic vision of the planet and its eco-system. Convinced more than ever that it is both urgent and necessary for man to reinvent himself, beyond a formal and strictly hedonistic existence, Jean-Marie Massaud sees his role as a designer in a committed and decidedly political way.

Having been awarded numerous prestigious awards, his creations can now be found in the collections of several of the world's great art and design museums.

Commercial Interior Design caught up with Jean-Marie Massaud to learn more about his work, and his philosophy for both life and design.

What is your first memory of being interested in design?

When I was little, around five or six years old, my favourite books were the French encyclopedias, Tout l'Univers. I was fascinated by the images made by man, and by the inventions, as for me they represented the magic of humanity.

I couldn't express it at the time, but my dream was to become an inventor. Some children dream of becoming an astronaut or a fire fighter - well, I wanted to be an inventor.

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