In the age of Instagram-induced aesthetic homogeneity, where creativity often succumbs to the allure of trend-chasing, Mathieu Lehanneur emerges as a rare trailblazer. Amidst the convoluted landscape of design, where originality can seem elusive, Lehanneur’s work shines as a testament to innovation. With a playful defiance of convention and a knack for transcending the confines of repetitive aesthetics, he stands as a testament to the enduring power of true creativity in a world saturated with sameness. His oeuvre traverses the spectrum from objects to architecture, from artworks to products, and from bespoke hand-crafted pieces to avant-garde technological marvels.
In the world of design, Mathieu Lehanneur emerges as a conjurer of enchantment. Renowned globally for his adeptness in seamlessly melding technology, artistry, and design, Lehanneur epitomises a rare breed of creative polymath. Born in 1974, Lehanneur embraces a radically multidisciplinary approach. Primarily, his designs draw inspiration from the intricate layers of nature, the depths of science, the corridors of history, and the frontiers of technology, which all come together to evoke a sense of awe and intrigue.
Lehanneur’s collaborative endeavours transcend the staid confines of conventional craftsmanship. From forging alliances with venerable artisans to spearheading groundbreaking initiatives at the forefront of technology and urban mobility, he persistently propels the boundaries of innovation into uncharted realms. Amidst his eclectic repertoire, my particular admiration is reserved for the Renault, Suite N°4, an exemplar of his visionary prowess. Commissioned by the esteemed French automaker Renault to reimagine their iconic 4L on its 60th anniversary, Lehanneur embarked on a journey to redefine the essence of escapism. This nomadic sanctuary, born from the venerable automobile’s legacy, emerges as an oasis of tranquillity on wheels, bathed in the ethereal glow of minimal luxury. A testament to Lehanneur’s boundless ingenuity, Suite N°4 transcends mere vehicular utility; it is an ode to escape, a harmonious symphony of minimalist living inspired by the architectural wonders and ever-changing vistas through which it gracefully traverses. Lehanneur took the concept of a room on four wheels and through his design elevated it to an unfathomable level creating an open air hotel room which became a multi-sensory delight.
Renault car, Suite N°4
Situated at the nexus of artistry and ingenuity, Lehanneur’s creative sanctuary, the Factory, serves as the crucible where his visionary concepts are forged into tangible reality. Complementing this hub of innovation, his Pied-à-Terre in New York stands as a testament to his global resonance and influence. Nestled within one of the city’s most iconic skyscrapers, this hybrid space serves as a stage where Lehanneur orchestrates a mesmerising dialogue between his latest creations and the pulse of urban life.
For Lehanneur, the opportunity to design the Olympic Torch Paris 2024 was not just a project; it was a rare convergence of destiny and design, a momentous encounter with history itself. “As ritualistic as it is magical, the torch is a mythical object. As a symbol of cohesion and sharing, it is the veritable key to opening the Games. It will cross thousands of kilometres, passed from hand to hand, over land and sea. For Paris 2024, and for the first time in its history, it will play with perfect symmetry to better express a message of equality. I wanted it to be extremely pure, iconic, and almost essential. Simple like a hyphen and fluid like a flame.” says Lehanneur.
(L-R) Olympic Torch Paris 2024; Happy to be Here- Console
His immersion in collaborative projects is indicative of an insatiable thirst for exploration and research that traces back to his formative years at the French National Institute for Advanced Studies in Industrial Design. It was there, during the culmination of his academic tenure, that he delved deep into the realms of therapeutic design, a groundbreaking venture that now finds its revered place within the halls of the MOMA in New York. Following this seminal achievement, he embarked on a trajectory of innovation, forging a symbiotic partnership with Harvard Professor David Edwards, to birth Andrea, an avant-garde creation marrying the vitality of living plants with the quest for purified air, inspired by the pioneering efforts of NASA. Today, the boundaries of Mathieu Lehanneur’s ingenuity continue to expand, as evidenced by his remarkable feat of balance: the audacious suspension of a one-tonne marble tabletop atop an ethereal assemblage of glass baubles, a testament to his mastery of the enigmatic art of illusion.
Tracing back to his formative years at the French National Institute for Advanced Studies in Industrial Design, Mathieu Lehanneur’s immersion in collaborative projects serves as a testament to his insatiable thirst for exploration and research. It was during the culmination of his academic tenure that he delved deep into the realms of therapeutic design, a groundbreaking venture now revered within the halls of the MOMA in New York. Following this seminal achievement, Lehanneur embarked on a trajectory of innovation, forging a symbiotic partnership with Harvard Professor David Edwards to birth Andrea, an avant-garde creation inspired by the pioneering efforts of NASA, marrying the vitality of living plants with the quest for purified air. Today, the boundaries of Lehanneur’s ingenuity continue to expand, as evidenced by his remarkable feat of balance: the audacious suspension of a one-tonne marble tabletop atop an ethereal assemblage of glass baubles, a stunning testament to his mastery of the enigmatic art of illusion.
Words by Anithya Balachandran.
Image courtesy Mathieu Lehanneur’s portfolio.
