Strange to think that such a place has never existed in Paris until now; this large complex recently inaugurated not far from Bastille exists to help designers in various ways, but also has an exhibition space on the ground floor to inform the general public. We went along to check out their first exhibition called ouverture(s) or ‘opening(s)’ which has a very interesting layout…

Bastille has always been a centre of creation in Paris, with numerous furniture workshops and artist spaces. Even if the old traditional shops are now giving way to clothes stores, there are some amazing, semi-hidden spaces in the area that are a testament to its past. One such space is the huge building and impressive courtyard that now house the Lieu du Design.

It’s mostly dedicated to helping professionals with their administrative work (such as finding industrial partners) and also have a materials library where designers can see and touch the latest elements that can be integrated into a design project. However, the ground floor is given over to a gallery space whoe objective is to explain and demystify design to the general public.
The first exhibition, ouverture(s) is a strong start, and explains ewactly why the Lieu d Design exists and what they help that they can give. The layout is extremely amusing, with a system of automatic orange balls on rails guiding you from screen to screen via odd machine. Each screen explain a little more about the space, and following the balls around turns out to be a great deal of fun!
There are several different routes, and each screen contains several different messages, meaning that you can go back through the exhibition several times and get new information (although – of course – it is all in French).

Check it out…

We think this first exhibition is well worth checking out, if not only for its originality. You’ll also discover one of the secret courtyards of Bastille, and the monumental architecture that went with manufacture back in the days…

The ouverture(s) exhibition is at the Lieu du Design, 74 rue du Faubourg Saint Antoine (here) until 23rd January 2010. Open Tuesday – Saturday, 11am – 6pm. Entrance free.

Official sute: www.lelieududesign.com