A strong proponent of socially conscious projects, French architect, inventor and designer Jean-Marie Massaud advocates for design that helps to better the world we live in.

If you ask Jean-Marie Massaud, socially responsible design shouldn’t be a utopian ideal. For the Toulouse-born architect, inventor and designer, the desire to improve the product and its user experience should take the fore—and that’s whether he’s designing an electric car, or working on furniture designs for brands the likes of B&B Italia, Cassina and Poliform.

Tatler Asia
Above The Seattle dining chairs from Poliform

It’s a topic that he returns to time and time again, and we revisited it when we spoke to Massaud during his recent visit to Singapore to celebrate Space Furniture’s 16th anniversary in Asia.

“I try to make the products I design more sustainable and more competent, and I try to do more with less,” he says. “For instance, I don’t want to design a futuristic car that’s to be made in 10 years’ time. I want to design it for the present day, using affordable and existing technology.”

Here, the affable architect shares more about his creative process and his hopes for the future of design.

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Tatler Asia
Above French architect, inventor and designer Jean-Marie Massaud

How would you describe your design philosophy?
Jean-Marie Massaud (JMM) I see design as a creative synthesis. I take a holistic approach to any project by considering the unique context of each product, from its cultural legacy and economic profitability to sustainability.

If you miss out on one of these dimensions, it doesn’t work. It’s about managing these concerns while creating something that is relevant to its context.

How has it been like working with brands such as Poliform?
JMM I thought it made sense for me to work with Poliform because it’s a family-run company with soul, vision and strong industrial production methods.

Their products are of high quality and can be custom-made in your preferred dimensions, configuration and finish, which I thought was quite unique.

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With Poliform, I’ve developed “permanent basics” that are very elegant and comfortable. It’s simple to speak about comfort, but it can be difficult to accomplish; we work on improving this step by step.

What are some of your favourite Poliform collections?
JMM I like the Seattle, which is a chair with a suspended leather envelope and precise lines at the sides. And the Home Hotel tables; they’re very Japanese. I think the world is like a village—I like merging multicultural influences that take inspiration from every part of the world.

What are your hopes for the future of design?
JMM I think the next step is to share resources, such as using a timeshare car instead of owning one. Design should include smart technology to make products more adaptable to the needs of a world that’s changing at a fast pace. It should also be about improving social organisations and systems, rather than focusing on material needs.

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Tatler Asia
Above The Home table designed by Jean-Marie Massaud for Poliform

What’s next in the pipelines for Studio Massaud?
JMM
I would like to continue designing modes of transport, from motorbikes, cars or boats. We’re also designing lighting, even a piano, and furniture of course. Then after that, we’ll see. I was asked to design a 50m boat, but a private yacht feels arrogant and disconnected with the experience of the sea, so I decided not to do it.

It’s not a question of money or the size of the project; for me, it’s a question of being able to have a balanced life, instead of doing things for the sake of doing it. I’m keen to work with visionary people like Elon Musk—people who are concerned about social responsibility, with progressive ideas.

B&B Italia, Cassina and Poliform are available at Space Furniture; visit spacefurniture.com.sg for more information.

This story was adapted from Singapore Tatler Homes February-March 2018.

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