Damien Perrot / Global Senior Vice President Design at Accor
Published on 27 February 2020
This is a man who’s upending Accor’s global approach to design. His goal? Free the world hospitality leader from the shackles of the traditional hotel experience.
During a talk at the most recent edition of MAISON&OBJET, he shared his expert insights into the role design will play in tomorrow’s hospitality industry. A field in which design is crucial to sparking emotions and creating the desired look, feel and experience. Today, this experienced traveller breathes life into his words by showing us around his own workspace.
Self Portrait. We invite professionals from the lifestyle, culture and communications world to snap six shots that sum up their story. Smartphone in hand, they have fun revealing all the little nothings around which their world revolves. It’s time to take a peek behind closed doors.
“I really like working in such close proximity to everyone, as it sparks constant interaction.”
“Everyone still needs an office, even in the 21st century, and mine at Sequana (Accor HQ) is surrounded by my team and enjoys stunning views of Paris and the Eiffel Tower. I really like working in such close proximity to everyone, as it sparks constant interaction.
The rest of my time is spent on the building’s other floors, visiting our laboratory where we test concepts and other innovations. That’s actually where I can usually be found. Sequana is an outstanding creative playground.
My office is mainly online and digital (iPhone, laptop, iPad), so it follows me wherever I go, be that on planes or to design studios or hotels, which is somewhere I really enjoy working. Actually, thanks to WOJO, I think hotels will soon become everyone’s workplace of choice.”
Useful object
“An item that never leaves my side. It follows me absolutely everywhere. I use it to scribble on plans, share our projects and new concepts with the team, with investors… and even when I need to relax – there’s no better way of catching up on a film or box set.”
Futile object
“Music’s part of my day-to-day life. Whether it’s reggae, electro, classical or rock, I can’t imagine a day without listening to music. I find it really inspires me. Sometimes I even find myself dreaming up an entire background story to a track.”
Good luck charm
“I’m not superstitious, but the one thing in my life that puts a smile on my face every single day is my kids. I’ve had these bracelets engraved with their names so they’re always by my side.”
A souvenir
“It’s an object that incorporates absolutely everything I love about design: the combination of technology, the mechanism and the automatic movement. It’s like a living thing, and it sparks so many emotions. This particular watch was a gift from my wife.”
Current crush 1
“Firstly, for the object itself, the elegance of a champagne bottle, the sensuality of a bottle of Burgundy, the generosity of a bottle of Cognac, the curves, the rounded silhouette, the hues… Plus everything’s so carefully calculated: 75cl is the perfect volume for wine to be successfully stored. And when the bottle’s uncorked, there’s the pleasure of exploring the terroir, the aroma, the acidity… all the complex emotions triggered by the magical work man and nature have accomplished.”
Current crush 2
“I’ve always been a huge fan of poetry and all it represents: the creative writing, the power of the words, the way it sounds, the calligraphy. For me, Baudelaire is a powerful artist, both for his choice of words and the emotional impact they have. I really enjoy reading (and re-reading!) this great poet’s works, amongst others, as I find they still ring true today: “So as not to feel the horrible burden of time that breaks your back and bends you to the earth, you have to be continually drunk. But on what? Wine, poetry or virtue, as you wish”.
THE TALKS / CONFERENCES
Monday 20 Jan. 2020 — 12pm
The role of design in tomorrow’s hotel industry
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