Discovering timeless
trends

Discovering timeless
trends

Discovering timeless
trends

Discovering timeless trends

Discovering timeless trends

A stopover at
Charles de Gaulle Airport

A stopover at Charles de Gaulle Airport

A stopover at Charles de Gaulle Airport

A stopover at Charles de Gaulle Airport

A stopover at
Charles de Gaulle Airport

April 20, 2019 | Interview

‘This way!’ – ‘Un café noir, s’il vous plaît.’ Different languages, different cultures. Huge halls under glass roof constructions that allow lots of light to flood the rooms. Rolling walkways that seem endless, with lush green seating areas between them. A very quiet background noise of an aeroplane turbine. A few steps further on, American hip-hop from the jukebox of a cafe takes over the audio backdrop. Then the beat is replaced by Edith Piaf: ‘Sous le ciel de Paris’. Under the sky of Paris. Welcome to Europe’s second-largest passenger airport: Paris Charles de Gaulle.

‘This way!’ – ‘Un café noir, s’il vous plaît.’ Different languages, different cultures. Huge halls under glass roof constructions that allow lots of light to flood the rooms. Rolling walkways that seem endless, with lush green seating areas between them. A very quiet background noise of an aeroplane turbine. A few steps further on, American hip-hop from the jukebox of a cafe takes over the audio backdrop. Then the beat is replaced by Edith Piaf: ‘Sous le ciel de Paris’. Under the sky of Paris. Welcome to Europe’s second-largest passenger airport: Paris Charles de Gaulle.

‘This way!’ – ‘Un café noir, s’il vous plaît.’ Different languages, different cultures. Huge halls under glass roof constructions that allow lots of light to flood the rooms. Rolling walkways that seem endless, with lush green seating areas between them. A very quiet background noise of an aeroplane turbine. A few steps further on, American hip-hop from the jukebox of a cafe takes over the audio backdrop. Then the beat is replaced by Edith Piaf: ‘Sous le ciel de Paris’. Under the sky of Paris. Welcome to Europe’s second-largest passenger airport: Paris Charles de Gaulle.

‘This way!’ – ‘Un café noir, s’il vous plaît.’ Different languages, different cultures. Huge halls under glass roof constructions that allow lots of light to flood the rooms. Rolling walkways that seem endless, with lush green seating areas between them. A very quiet background noise of an aeroplane turbine. A few steps further on, American hip-hop from the jukebox of a cafe takes over the audio backdrop. Then the beat is replaced by Edith Piaf: ‘Sous le ciel de Paris’. Under the sky of Paris. Welcome to Europe’s second-largest passenger airport: Paris Charles de Gaulle.

‘This way!’ – ‘Un café noir, s’il vous plaît.’ Different languages, different cultures. Huge halls under glass roof constructions that allow lots of light to flood the rooms. Rolling walkways that seem endless, with lush green seating areas between them. A very quiet background noise of an aeroplane turbine. A few steps further on, American hip-hop from the jukebox of a cafe takes over the audio backdrop. Then the beat is replaced by Edith Piaf: ‘Sous le ciel de Paris’. Under the sky of Paris. Welcome to Europe’s second-largest passenger airport: Paris Charles de Gaulle.

SURTECO product designer Valentina Dedi is on her way to America and is stopping over at Paris Charles de Gaulle. She is sitting in Terminal 2 at the champagne bar of the first Michelin-starred restaurant in the airport. Time to take stock in a moving and lively location that was built many decades ago but is still bang on-trend.

SURTECO product designer Valentina Dedi is on her way to America and is stopping over at Paris Charles de Gaulle. She is sitting in Terminal 2 at the champagne bar of the first Michelin-starred restaurant in the airport. Time to take stock in a moving and lively location that was built many decades ago but is still bang on-trend.

SURTECO product designer Valentina Dedi is on her way to America and is stopping over at Paris Charles de Gaulle. She is sitting in Terminal 2 at the champagne bar of the first Michelin-starred restaurant in the airport. Time to take stock in a moving and lively location that was built many decades ago but is still bang on-trend.

SURTECO product designer Valentina Dedi is on her way to America and is stopping over at Paris Charles de Gaulle. She is sitting in Terminal 2 at the champagne bar of the first Michelin-starred restaurant in the airport. Time to take stock in a moving and lively location that was built many decades ago but is still bang on-trend.

SURTECO product designer Valentina Dedi is on her way to America and is stopping over at Paris Charles de Gaulle. She is sitting in Terminal 2 at the champagne bar of the first Michelin-starred restaurant in the airport. Time to take stock in a moving and lively location that was built many decades ago but is still bang on-trend.

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    Valentina, what is the special design experience that this place offers?

    Valentina, what is the special design experience that this place offers?

    Valentina, what is the special design experience that this place offers?

    Valentina, what is the special design experience that this place offers?

    Valentina, what is the special design experience that this place offers?

    No matter where you stop in this airport, you feel the impressive, timeless design in the overall formal language and furnishings. Although, here in particular, time plays an important role. Every process, the overall procedure, arrival, departure, it is all about time. And yet the place where all that takes place is so detached from it. This airport was constructed in the 1970s, and yet it seems so modern to us now. There is Terminal 1, which has become legendary because of its futuristic design and Camembert shape. And here at Terminal 2 there are huge open spaces and the exciting glass roof construction, which lets in lots of light. The formal language is simple and clear, with no frills. At the same time, there are pillars and marble elements that provide opulence and class. This mix of minimalism and class can be found today, too. Our mobile, digitised age demands functionality, which requires simplicity. At the same time, a special quality is desired. Charles De Gaulle Airport combines the two.

    No matter where you stop in this airport, you feel the impressive, timeless design in the overall formal language and furnishings. Although, here in particular, time plays an important role. Every process, the overall procedure, arrival, departure, it is all about time. And yet the place where all that takes place is so detached from it. This airport was constructed in the 1970s, and yet it seems so modern to us now. There is Terminal 1, which has become legendary because of its futuristic design and Camembert shape. And here at Terminal 2 there are huge open spaces and the exciting glass roof construction, which lets in lots of light. The formal language is simple and clear, with no frills. At the same time, there are pillars and marble elements that provide opulence and class. This mix of minimalism and class can be found today, too. Our mobile, digitised age demands functionality, which requires simplicity. At the same time, a special quality is desired. Charles De Gaulle Airport combines the two.

    No matter where you stop in this airport, you feel the impressive, timeless design in the overall formal language and furnishings. Although, here in particular, time plays an important role. Every process, the overall procedure, arrival, departure, it is all about time. And yet the place where all that takes place is so detached from it. This airport was constructed in the 1970s, and yet it seems so modern to us now. There is Terminal 1, which has become legendary because of its futuristic design and Camembert shape. And here at Terminal 2 there are huge open spaces and the exciting glass roof construction, which lets in lots of light. The formal language is simple and clear, with no frills. At the same time, there are pillars and marble elements that provide opulence and class. This mix of minimalism and class can be found today, too. Our mobile, digitised age demands functionality, which requires simplicity. At the same time, a special quality is desired. Charles De Gaulle Airport combines the two.

    No matter where you stop in this airport, you feel the impressive, timeless design in the overall formal language and furnishings. Although, here in particular, time plays an important role. Every process, the overall procedure, arrival, departure, it is all about time. And yet the place where all that takes place is so detached from it. This airport was constructed in the 1970s, and yet it seems so modern to us now. There is Terminal 1, which has become legendary because of its futuristic design and Camembert shape. And here at Terminal 2 there are huge open spaces and the exciting glass roof construction, which lets in lots of light. The formal language is simple and clear, with no frills. At the same time, there are pillars and marble elements that provide opulence and class. This mix of minimalism and class can be found today, too. Our mobile, digitised age demands functionality, which requires simplicity. At the same time, a special quality is desired. Charles De Gaulle Airport combines the two.

    No matter where you stop in this airport, you feel the impressive, timeless design in the overall formal language and furnishings. Although, here in particular, time plays an important role. Every process, the overall procedure, arrival, departure, it is all about time. And yet the place where all that takes place is so detached from it. This airport was constructed in the 1970s, and yet it seems so modern to us now. There is Terminal 1, which has become legendary because of its futuristic design and Camembert shape. And here at Terminal 2 there are huge open spaces and the exciting glass roof construction, which lets in lots of light. The formal language is simple and clear, with no frills. At the same time, there are pillars and marble elements that provide opulence and class. This mix of minimalism and class can be found today, too. Our mobile, digitised age demands functionality, which requires simplicity. At the same time, a special quality is desired. Charles De Gaulle Airport combines the two.

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    The airport was designed by Paul Andreu, a world-famous airport architect. He said: ‘An airport is more than a building. It is a landscape.’

    The airport was designed by Paul Andreu, a world-famous airport architect. He said: ‘An airport is more than a building. It is a landscape.’

    The airport was designed by Paul Andreu, a world-famous airport architect. He said: ‘An airport is more than a building. It is a landscape.’

    The airport was designed by Paul Andreu, a world-famous airport architect. He said: ‘An airport is more than a building. It is a landscape.’

    The airport was designed by Paul Andreu, a world-famous airport architect. He said: ‘An airport is more than a building. It is a landscape.’

    That is a lovely image that we also work with in our Design department. In other words: we think big, not small. Even if, at the end of the day, a room is designed or a building constructed – the concept must be overarching. In this way, we create openness and expanse in the architecture and, ultimately, in the room. The term ‘landscape’ also wonderfully summarises what is going on here. The urban intertwines with the natural. We can see that here at the airport in the use of lots of green spaces. And in the bars and cafes there is frequently use of dark, exquisite woods, combined with brass. We are all connected to nature and yet we live in urban environments. And in that very urban situation, we want to feel these roots in nature. Paul Andreu was conscious of that back then, as we are now.

    That is a lovely image that we also work with in our Design department. In other words: we think big, not small. Even if, at the end of the day, a room is designed or a building constructed – the concept must be overarching. In this way, we create openness and expanse in the architecture and, ultimately, in the room. The term ‘landscape’ also wonderfully summarises what is going on here. The urban intertwines with the natural. We can see that here at the airport in the use of lots of green spaces. And in the bars and cafes there is frequently use of dark, exquisite woods, combined with brass. We are all connected to nature and yet we live in urban environments. And in that very urban situation, we want to feel these roots in nature. Paul Andreu was conscious of that back then, as we are now.

    That is a lovely image that we also work with in our Design department. In other words: we think big, not small. Even if, at the end of the day, a room is designed or a building constructed – the concept must be overarching. In this way, we create openness and expanse in the architecture and, ultimately, in the room. The term ‘landscape’ also wonderfully summarises what is going on here. The urban intertwines with the natural. We can see that here at the airport in the use of lots of green spaces. And in the bars and cafes there is frequently use of dark, exquisite woods, combined with brass. We are all connected to nature and yet we live in urban environments. And in that very urban situation, we want to feel these roots in nature. Paul Andreu was conscious of that back then, as we are now.

    That is a lovely image that we also work with in our Design department. In other words: we think big, not small. Even if, at the end of the day, a room is designed or a building constructed – the concept must be overarching. In this way, we create openness and expanse in the architecture and, ultimately, in the room. The term ‘landscape’ also wonderfully summarises what is going on here. The urban intertwines with the natural. We can see that here at the airport in the use of lots of green spaces. And in the bars and cafes there is frequently use of dark, exquisite woods, combined with brass. We are all connected to nature and yet we live in urban environments. And in that very urban situation, we want to feel these roots in nature. Paul Andreu was conscious of that back then, as we are now.

    That is a lovely image that we also work with in our Design department. In other words: we think big, not small. Even if, at the end of the day, a room is designed or a building constructed – the concept must be overarching. In this way, we create openness and expanse in the architecture and, ultimately, in the room. The term ‘landscape’ also wonderfully summarises what is going on here. The urban intertwines with the natural. We can see that here at the airport in the use of lots of green spaces. And in the bars and cafes there is frequently use of dark, exquisite woods, combined with brass. We are all connected to nature and yet we live in urban environments. And in that very urban situation, we want to feel these roots in nature. Paul Andreu was conscious of that back then, as we are now.

    portrait-Valentina-Dedi

    SURTECO Product Designer
    Valentina Dedi

    SURTECO Product Designer
    Valentina Dedi

    SURTECO Product Designer
    Valentina Dedi

    SURTECO Product Designer
    Valentina Dedi

    SURTECO Product Designer
    Valentina Dedi

    At SURTECO, responsible for: exhibition concepts, decor development in the caravan sector

    Current favourite trend: the new environmental awareness 

    Current favourite trend: the new environmental awareness 

    Current favourite trend: the new environmental awareness 

    Current favourite trend: the new environmental awareness 

    Current favourite trend: the new environmental awareness 

    Most important personal design rule: the design must not be meaningless. It has to offer added value that gives it a reason for existence, regardless of whether that is aesthetic or functional. 

    Always there when on the go: my smartphone, which combines a notebook, calendar, camera and telephone and fits in every bag. There is also an app for everything else.

    Marble is so old, and yet a trend – how can that be?

    Marble is so old, and yet a trend – how can that be?

    Marble is so old, and yet a trend – how can that be?

    Marble is so old, and yet a trend – how can that be?

    Marble is so old, and yet a trend – how can that be?

    We have reinterpreted marble surfaces at SURTECO and offer a wide variety of marble textures: Bernini, Versilia, Sinope Marble. Marble has accompanied us for millennia. Many important sculptures and buildings have been crafted out of marble. That significance is inexorably linked with marble. Today, we live in a world that is so connected and digitised.

    We have reinterpreted marble surfaces at SURTECO and offer a wide variety of marble textures: Bernini, Versilia, Sinope Marble. Marble has accompanied us for millennia. Many important sculptures and buildings have been crafted out of marble. That significance is inexorably linked with marble. Today, we live in a world that is so connected and digitised.

    We have reinterpreted marble surfaces at SURTECO and offer a wide variety of marble textures: Bernini, Versilia, Sinope Marble. Marble has accompanied us for millennia. Many important sculptures and buildings have been crafted out of marble. That significance is inexorably linked with marble. Today, we live in a world that is so connected and digitised.

    We have reinterpreted marble surfaces at SURTECO and offer a wide variety of marble textures: Bernini, Versilia, Sinope Marble. Marble has accompanied us for millennia. Many important sculptures and buildings have been crafted out of marble. That significance is inexorably linked with marble. Today, we live in a world that is so connected and digitised.

    We have reinterpreted marble surfaces at SURTECO and offer a wide variety of marble textures: Bernini, Versilia, Sinope Marble. Marble has accompanied us for millennia. Many important sculptures and buildings have been crafted out of marble. That significance is inexorably linked with marble. Today, we live in a world that is so connected and digitised.

    "Not everything that inspires or touches you becomes a trend."

    "Not everything that inspires or touches you becomes a trend."

    "Not everything that inspires or touches you becomes a trend."

    "Not everything that inspires or touches you becomes a trend."

    "Not everything that inspires or touches you becomes a trend."

    And there in particular, marble becomes a constant fixture with timeless value. It keeps our feet on the ground. You can observe the same phenomenon here at the airport. It is the best possible use of marble. Everyone who steps off an aeroplane wants to feel truly grounded.

    And there in particular, marble becomes a constant fixture with timeless value. It keeps our feet on the ground. You can observe the same phenomenon here at the airport. It is the best possible use of marble. Everyone who steps off an aeroplane wants to feel truly grounded.

    And there in particular, marble becomes a constant fixture with timeless value. It keeps our feet on the ground. You can observe the same phenomenon here at the airport. It is the best possible use of marble. Everyone who steps off an aeroplane wants to feel truly grounded.

    And there in particular, marble becomes a constant fixture with timeless value. It keeps our feet on the ground. You can observe the same phenomenon here at the airport. It is the best possible use of marble. Everyone who steps off an aeroplane wants to feel truly grounded.

    And there in particular, marble becomes a constant fixture with timeless value. It keeps our feet on the ground. You can observe the same phenomenon here at the airport. It is the best possible use of marble. Everyone who steps off an aeroplane wants to feel truly grounded.

    Do you have to be visionary to recognise trends? What is coming next?

    Do you have to be visionary to recognise trends? What is coming next?

    Do you have to be visionary to recognise trends? What is coming next?

    Do you have to be visionary to recognise trends? What is coming next?

    Do you have to be visionary to recognise trends? What is coming next?

    You need to look and listen carefully and never stop doing so. We are always on the go and take in everything around us. But not everything you are enthusiastic about or touched by will become a trend. That makes it all the nicer when we arrive at a place like Charles De Gaulle Airport and realise that new trend stimuli were actually already there. That creates a timelessness that touches us. Trends are not something we come up with. They are the result of our creative work and desire. When we develop surfaces, we react to that. And thus create material for rooms we would like to live in. Timeless rooms.

    You need to look and listen carefully and never stop doing so. We are always on the go and take in everything around us. But not everything you are enthusiastic about or touched by will become a trend. That makes it all the nicer when we arrive at a place like Charles De Gaulle Airport and realise that new trend stimuli were actually already there. That creates a timelessness that touches us. Trends are not something we come up with. They are the result of our creative work and desire. When we develop surfaces, we react to that. And thus create material for rooms we would like to live in. Timeless rooms.

    You need to look and listen carefully and never stop doing so. We are always on the go and take in everything around us. But not everything you are enthusiastic about or touched by will become a trend. That makes it all the nicer when we arrive at a place like Charles De Gaulle Airport and realise that new trend stimuli were actually already there. That creates a timelessness that touches us. Trends are not something we come up with. They are the result of our creative work and desire. When we develop surfaces, we react to that. And thus create material for rooms we would like to live in. Timeless rooms.

    You need to look and listen carefully and never stop doing so. We are always on the go and take in everything around us. But not everything you are enthusiastic about or touched by will become a trend. That makes it all the nicer when we arrive at a place like Charles De Gaulle Airport and realise that new trend stimuli were actually already there. That creates a timelessness that touches us. Trends are not something we come up with. They are the result of our creative work and desire. When we develop surfaces, we react to that. And thus create material for rooms we would like to live in. Timeless rooms.

    You need to look and listen carefully and never stop doing so. We are always on the go and take in everything around us. But not everything you are enthusiastic about or touched by will become a trend. That makes it all the nicer when we arrive at a place like Charles De Gaulle Airport and realise that new trend stimuli were actually already there. That creates a timelessness that touches us. Trends are not something we come up with. They are the result of our creative work and desire. When we develop surfaces, we react to that. And thus create material for rooms we would like to live in. Timeless rooms.

    Facts
    Paris Charles-de-Gaulle Airport

    Facts
    Paris Charles-de-Gaulle Airport

    Facts
    Paris Charles-de-Gaulle Airport

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    Opened:
    Terminal 1 – 8 March 1974
    Terminal 2A/2B – 1982 (continuous expansion up to 2F in 1989)
    Terminal 3 – 1990
    World ranking:
    Second-largest passenger airport in Europe after London Heathrow
    Passenger volume 2018:
    72,229,723
    Number of flights per day:
    800
    Named after:
    Charles de Gaulle, French general and statesman

    urbanamic-icon-white

    Urbanamic
    The city she loves us, and we love her.


    Urbanamic
    The city she loves us, and we love her.


    Urbanamic
    The city she loves us, and we love her.


    Urbanamic
    The city she loves us, and we love her.


    Urbanamic
    The city she loves us, and we love her.


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