Mini Design Tour - September 2020
Published on 3 October 2020
Each month, MINI and Maison&Objet share their hand-picked selection of three exciting design events that await you on and offline. This October, they’re opening our eyes to a range of invigorating experiences. From a sky-high restaurant that promises intriguing taste sensations to an invitation to invent a new, more welcoming, smarter city to Lille’s exhilarating global design exhibition: rarely has the post-summer period served up so much stimulation.
Experiential
Such is the adjective chosen to describe the menu dreamed up by chef Julien Sebbag for Tortuga, the new restaurant installed on the roof of Parisian department store Galeries Lafayette Haussmann. This is unquestionably one of the French capital’s most stunning rooftops, so the term could just as easily apply to the unique position of this impressive new venue designed by architect Franklin Azzi, or, indeed, to its interior, placed in the hands of artist-ornamentalist Pierre Marie. Enjoying a tête-à-tête with the dome of the Opéra Garnier whilst savouring “mindfully burnt beetroot, fresh thyme cream and a sprinkling of grated bottarga” is a thoroughly Parisian experience that’s a feast for the taste buds, senses and eyes.
Tortuga
On the Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann roof terrace
25, rue de la Chaussée d'Antin, Paris
Instagram tortuga.paris
Reservation@tortuga-paris.com
Experimental
More sustainable, more connected, more inclusive, more attractive: simply imagining tomorrow’s cities is no longer enough, now we need to actually DO IT, or FAIRE as the French would say. FAIRE is, indeed, both the name and mission of the project accelerator launched by Le Pavillon de l’Arsenal and the City of Paris and partnered by MINI, la Caisse des Dépôts and EDF. Street furniture, building materials, sports facilities, water management, waste recycling, soft mobility: thanks to the initiative, over thirty innovative urban experiments have already been rolled out, trialled or are currently in the pipeline. Today, the Pavillon de l’Arsenal is launching its 4th call for FAIRE projects. Architects, designers, urban planners and landscapers, who are either established names, rising talents or even students, have until 30th October to submit their applications online.
faireparis.com
MINI x FAIRE
Exciting
Left with no choice but to suspend its public events during lockdown, Lille Métropole, World Design Capital 2020, has nonetheless continued to pursue its discussion and exploration process over the course of the “suspended” weeks. The pandemic has, in fact, only served to enhance the city’s role as a “laboratory”. All those involved have continued to devise, elaborate and update their exhibitions that were finally reopened on 9th September not only in Lille but in numerous other towns across northern France and Belgium, too. From 10th to 18th October, Design Week will be a veritable highlight hosting workshops, talks, pecha kucha presentations and round table sessions.
Design Week, Lille Métropole, World Design Capital 2020
