“Design is an integral part of our everyday” – An interview with Pascal Gentil from the Innovathèque

éKosse, armchair designed by Caroline Saier with the kind contribution of Pascal Gentil

Catherine Bouvard: And this concern was not around ten years ago?

Pascal Gentil: Ten years ago, we banked mostly on novelty and differentiation. Today, our research is carried out with more expertise, and aims to expose materials we may not, otherwise, have considered. Our search engine takes a large number of transversal criteria into account. For instance, with regard to transparency, we’ll soon be in a position to propose materials made from agricultural products, minerals and metals, and thus enable a wide range of choices not solely restricted to glass.

Catherine Bouvard: The wealth of this task lies in cross-disciplining.

Pascal Gentil: Yes, it is the search for alternatives through eco-design-oriented research.

Catherine Bouvard: How long have you pursued this line of work?

Pascal Gentil: We’ve been working in this direction for ten years. We pioneered some of the first eco-design initiatives in furnishings back in 2000. In the past two or three years, there has been a strong demand. Eco-design has become the overall trend, though methods vary.

Catherine Bouvard: Do you see other trends emerging?

Pascal Gentil: Indeed. We are currently scouting out the materials’ toxicological and health-related aspects in accordance with the REACH European regulation. A bit like with eco-design ten years ago, we are launching a new step: we are implementing performance analysis tools and indicators to help select materials, develop methods, and provide designers with the means to devise more health-friendly products.

Catherine Bouvard: What are your primary responsibilities at the Innovathèque?

Pascal Gentil: On the one hand, we monitor trends to spot recently commercialized materials. This activity also encompasses those works-in-progress in a number of research labs. On the other, we host conferences and share knowledge. Lastly, we offer consulting services to our clients: we provide support to companies on technology transfers, new materials and training opportunities.

É’KOSSE: Decay Turned Downside Up

Catherine Bouvard: You supervised Caroline Saier’s project as an advisor. What appealed most to you about her project?

Pascal Gentil: Her desire to restore credibility to the aging process of an object is quite singular in nature. Caroline Saier sees the decay of a material as an upside rather than a drawback that would put an end to the product’s life cycle.

Catherine Bouvard: In your opinion, what is innovative in this approach to design?

Pascal Gentil: Her approach is innovative for it stretches beyond the usual purpose of a plastic cushion. We contributed to Caroline’s project by introducing her to materials, and suggested she focus on a changing-shape object that would stay out-of-shape. A fragile, yet versatile object. This is innovation in terms of usage, new exploration in seated comfort.

Catherine Bouvard: Doesn’t it have more to do with age-old logic than with actual innovation?

Pascal Gentil: The only example relating somewhat would be the beanbag cushions filled with Styrofoam or glass beads that adjust to the user’s morphology. The product developed by Caroline not only adjusts to body shape, but also adopts an old and worn look without losing functionality. The added esthetic value is what makes the project.

Catherine Bouvard: And maybe also the ethics of it? Add nothing, just hold on to it, but with a different look.

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