MEET A DESIGNER #9:
PIERRE FOULONNEAU
Ecology through economy — this is the main concept behind our new Dessus Wall Shelf, designed by Pierre Foulonneau. Composed of very few parts, this shelf embodies Pierre’s vision of what a piece of responsible small furniture should be.
In this interview, let’s take a deeper look into the backstage of this new product and learn more about the designer’s creative approach.
Meanwhile, to celebrate our new collaboration with Pierre, enjoy a special —15% discount for Dessus Wall Shelf at our online shop with code DESSUS15, valid until February 20.
THE FIRST HELLO
International design shows have always been an important tool for EMKO — not only to find customers or seal new deals but also to meet prospective creatives from all over the world. French industrial designer Pierre Foulonneau was one of those who stopped by our stand during the Maison & Objet show in 2019.
“After a glance, I felt “at home”. The brand really appealed to me, I found out we shared a lot in terms of vision and values, and I grew the conviction we could start a fruitful collaboration,” — shares Pierre.
PROCESS FOR PROGRESS
A few months later, Pierre prepared a series of proposals following EMKO guidelines, and Dessus Wall Shelf was selected for production.
“The shelf caught our attention as an incredibly versatile and elegant piece, suitable for both private and public interiors. The efficient flat-pack construction also interested us, as it contributes to easier transportation, thus reduces the CO2 footprint, and is a common feature in our collection,” — says Erika Markovska-Mikulskienė, Executive Director at EMKO.
Then, numerous prototypes were made during the development stage to refine the project and secure the sizes, proportions, material, and technical choices.
Sketches of Dessus Wall Shelf | Hallway furniture set — Dessus Wall Shelf and Step Up Shoe Rack
ET VOILÀ!
The result is a compact wall shelf of two metal frames (painted in black or white) and two birch plywood shelves. The parts simply interlock with one another, this way avoiding superfluous complexity and time-consuming assembly.
Finally, the name Dessus adds up to the light concept of the shelf, too. In French, the word dessus means on top of and describes the primary function of the shelf — to store your books, tableware, or decoration on top of the shelves.
Living room furniture set — Dessus Wall Shelf, Bean Modular Sofa and Naïve Side Tables
CURIOUS HOW SUCH DESIGNS ARE BORN?
To get to know Pierre’s design approach better, we asked him a few questions. Some inspiring thoughts and great tips were shared, so now — let’s take a look from the designer’s perspective!
Pierre, what is your favourite part of being a designer?
I very much enjoy moments when the idea materializes into a prototype, and your vision becomes a reality.
Also, when the objects you created have found a place and a purpose in people's lives — I find it very fulfilling.
Where does your inspiration come from?
〰️ Inspiration often comes from everyday life, through observation and the ability to question your environment.
In the case of the Dessus Wall Shelf, I started as if I lacked an item at home but couldn't find one that suited my requirements. I then sat down at my desk and started defining how it should be.
〰️ I also developed a daily routine of sketching ideas. It is similar to a lyricist or a poet who writes down bits and pieces that he later combines to create something more elaborate.
〰️ I accumulate notebooks with various ideas, concepts, shapes, details, assembly, or finishes that I later use or review — going through these notebooks with fresh eyes sometimes allows new ideas to pop. This routine is very important because creativity needs to be trained and fed!
〰️ I also like to hang out in factories or workshops, where things are actually made — it is always very instructive. Antiques and museums are also places to browse — there are plenty of solutions and principles to harvest.
Sketches of Dessus Wall Shelf by Pierre Foulonneau
How would you describe your style?
I design honest, simple, functional, and emotional products that bring happiness to use; make life easier; help create unforgettable moments with loved ones, or brighten the day with their presence. I want my products to find a long-lasting place in people's life.
I think EMKO and I have a lot in common in terms of values and vision.
How do you know when an object is finished and needs no additional work?
I produce different iterations of the project, each resulting from a dialogue involving me, the client, and whoever makes the object. The product evolves through this refining process and becomes more relevant. We stop when we feel we carefully considered all aspects and details of the product and shaved off all the superfluous.
To which aspects of design do you give the highest priority?
I don't give any priority. I rather look for a good balance between all aspects of design.
What, according to you, is the role of collaboration in design?
Collaboration creates emulation and helps to push limits to elevate projects to another level. It also has to do with exchanging and sharing ideas, making new experiences, and creating a shared history.
BLITZ QUESTIONS
Favourite work tool?
A notebook and a pen are probably the most important for my daily routine. But I'd also say a calliper! Definitely, a must-have in any design office — the best way to keep connected to reality in this digital age.
Best soundtrack for design?
It depends on the mood I'm looking for. It's not so much about the genre; it's more about the emotion it sparks within you. Movie soundtrack usually works well; however, it can get pretty rock'n'roll in the office.
Favourite material?
I tend to favour natural materials such as metal, wood, glass, and ceramic. This last one is the one I worked with the most extensively in the past years. I also find mineral materials such as stone, marble, concrete, or terrazzo very attractive, but I haven't found the right project or client yet.
Working with metal and wood for EMKO was very cool and challenging at the same time. I had to change my thinking a little bit to adapt to new constraints, but I quite liked it. Challenging yourself by choosing to explore unknown territories is how you keep progressing throughout your carrier.
Design-related content you'd recommend checking out?
RAMS — a documentary portrait of Dieter Rams, by Gary Hustwit. I was looking forward to seeing it, and lockdown happened to be the perfect moment to do it.
What's the closest thing to real magic? ✨
I think it is looking at the world through children's eyes. When you are a kid, everything is magic. But, as we grow up, we tend to lose this capacity of seeing wonders everywhere.