{"id":873927,"date":"2026-10-07T12:38:16","date_gmt":"2026-10-07T12:38:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/873927\/"},"modified":"2026-10-07T12:38:16","modified_gmt":"2026-10-07T12:38:16","slug":"paf-atelier-reconnects-design-with-collective-imagination","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/873927\/","title":{"rendered":"paf atelier reconnects design with collective imagination"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>COLLECTIVE IMAGINATION AS THE DRIVER OF ARCHITECTURAL FORM<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Founded on the principle that collective imagination is required to draw and produce new forms, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.designboom.com\/tag\/paf-atelier\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Paf atelier<\/a> crafts radical, human-centric environments across <a href=\"https:\/\/www.designboom.com\/architecture\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">architecture<\/a>, scenography, and immersive narrative. The practice unlocks fresh possibilities for human interaction as it bridges bold geometric expressions with deep emotional resonance. Drawing inspiration from travel, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and active dialogue beyond the traditional desk, the studio translates abstract concepts into tangible landscapes that inspire visitors to explore their surroundings with renewed curiosity and joy.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u2018It is my job to dream with new aspects, materials, and collaborations. We all need dreams to continue to draw and produce new things,\u2019 \u00a0notes Paf atelier\u2019s founder Christopher Dessus.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"paf atelier builds radical environments to reconnect design with collective imagination - 1\" bad-src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1210392\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/paul_poiret_mad_paf_atelier_designboom_01.jpg\" width=\"818\" height=\"955\"  \/>La mode est une f\u00eate, Paul Poiret, MAD | scenography by Paf atelier in collaboration with Anette Lenz (art direction) | image \u00a9 Luc Boegly<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>CONVERTing CONCEPTUAL RESEARCH INTO PHYSICAL REALIZATION<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Based in Paris since 2017, Paf atelier works across spatial design, scenography, and cultural research. Founded by Christopher Dessus, the multidisciplinary practice crafts retail environments, exhibition spaces, and temporal installations that align architectural form with human emotion. Rejecting decorative excess, <a href=\"https:\/\/pafatelier.com\/en\/about\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">the studio<\/a> links conceptual reflection with material experimentation to ensure every intervention carries a distinct purpose and spatial identity.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"paf atelier builds radical environments to reconnect design with collective imagination - 2\" bad-src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1210408\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/respire_5.gif\" width=\"818\" height=\"855\"\/>Respire pop up journey uses water, mist, and inflatable volumes to mirror biological mechanisms<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>This cross-disciplinary methodology is further enriched by Dessus\u2019s creative agency, Pli office, which collaborates with institutions and creators to unlock new creative energies across architecture, design, and art. Although many installations are temporary, Paf atelier focuses on long-term cultural relevance, pairing local production methods with emerging talents to shape evolving physical environments.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u2018Emotions and form can be matched inside the spaces we design. Our work is not decoration nor the need to create just to create. We collaborate with others \u2013 creative, institutes and more \u2013 to realize new energies,\u2019 declares Dessus.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"paf atelier builds radical environments to reconnect design with collective imagination - 3\" bad-src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1210395\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/respire_paf_atelier_designboom_01.jpg\" width=\"818\" height=\"955\"  \/>the multidisciplinary practice crafts retail environments, exhibition spaces, and temporary installations, aligning architectural form with human emotion | image \u00a9 Romain Moriceau<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>ALIGNING THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT WITH HUMAN EMOTION<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Underpinning Paf atelier\u2019s practice is an effort to align architectural form with human emotion, turning physical structures into immersive spatial experiences. \u2018It is paradoxical to design physical structures to evoke immaterial feelings. To dream is not to simply watch though; when we dream, it means to be inside and as part of the dream. We wanted to create an atmosphere to immerse visitors to dream,\u2019 says Christopher.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"paf atelier builds radical environments to reconnect design with collective imagination - 4\" bad-src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1210396\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/orient-express-barcelona_paf_atelier_designboom_05.jpg\" width=\"818\" height=\"955\"  \/>for Orient Express at the America\u2019s Cup, the studio uses sail like forms to translate wind movement into physical space | image \u00a9 DEL RIO BANI<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>This ethos spans various project typologies, including temporary cultural interventions like \u2018<a href=\"https:\/\/www.designboom.com\/design\/milan-cinema-dreams-paf-atelier-viewers-suspended-time-capsule-christopher-dessus-interview-design-week-2026\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Cinema for Dreams<\/a>\u2019, created with designboom for Milan Design Week 2026. The Parisian studio dissolves conventional spatial limits to combine screens and seating into continuous architectural forms that fully immerse visitors. Spaces created with this focus encourage reflection and connection, allowing Paf atelier to offer quiet pauses within fast-paced urban settings and show how spatial design can foster optimism and inspire new possibilities.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"paf atelier builds radical environments to reconnect design with collective imagination - 5\" bad-src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1210398\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/milan-cinema-dreams-paf-atelier-viewers-suspended-time-capsule-christopher-dessus-interview-design-w.jpeg\" width=\"818\" height=\"546\"  \/>inside Cinema for Dreams, seated visitors gather before a glowing screen bordered by light diffusing metallic folds<img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"paf atelier builds radical environments to reconnect design with collective imagination - 6\" bad-src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1210485\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/festival-de-printemps_paf-atelier_designboom_1.jpg\" width=\"818\" height=\"955\"  \/>Paf atelier and Yard Agency construct inflatable lighthouse beacons for Festival de Printemps at Printemps Haussmann | image \u00a9 Florent Michel \/ 11h45<img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"paf atelier builds radical environments to reconnect design with collective imagination - 7\" bad-src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1210500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gambey_paf-atelier_designboom_1.jpg\" width=\"818\" height=\"955\"  \/>an orange lacquered steel and perforated metal structure filters space in a Paris 11th arrondissement interior by Paf atelier and BB Architectes | image \u00a9 C\u00e9line Saby<img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"paf atelier builds radical environments to reconnect design with collective imagination - 8\" bad-src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1210501\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/orpheon_paf-atelier_designboom_1.jpg\" width=\"818\" height=\"545\"  \/>for Diptyque, Paf atelier pays tribute to the Orph\u00e9on, the legendary 1950s Parisian jazz bar, with sculptural brass instruments in Paris and London | image \u00a9 Diptyque<img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"paf atelier builds radical environments to reconnect design with collective imagination - 9\" bad-src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1210502\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/variation-viii_paf-atelier_designboom_1.jpg\" width=\"818\" height=\"955\"  \/>at the Th\u00e9\u00e2tre du Ch\u00e2telet, inflatable volumes, scaffolding and light form the stage set for Variations VIII, a concert programme produced by Sourdoreille for France T\u00e9l\u00e9visions | image \u00a9 Luc Bertrand<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>project info: <\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>studio: <a href=\"https:\/\/pafatelier.com\/en\/about\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Paf atelier<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/paf_atelier\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">@paf_atelier<\/a><\/p>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"COLLECTIVE IMAGINATION AS THE DRIVER OF ARCHITECTURAL FORM \u00a0 Founded on the principle that collective imagination is required&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":873928,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[56],"tags":[228,226,227,229,88,265022],"class_list":["post-873927","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-arts-and-design","tag-arts","tag-arts-and-design","tag-artsanddesign","tag-design","tag-entertainment","tag-paf-atelier"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/873927","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=873927"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/873927\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/873928"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=873927"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=873927"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=873927"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}