Person guidance system within the Hall of Mirrors in the Palace of Versailles

For the exceptional oeuvre of French Renaissance, the Palace of Versailles has, under the patronage of VINCI, launched a competition for the conception of a person guidance and signage system for the Hall of Mirrors which in turn also shall be usable for the dwellings within the palace.

We delved into the answering of following questions:

- How can a contemporary design harmonize with the architecture of the 17th century?

- How can we invent an object that is not conflicting with the magnificent architecture of the hall?

Our solution lies in the design of a „light“ device which will be integrated within the Hall of Mirrors like a „decorative object“.

The person guidance system consists of strung together, linearly shaped elements of darkened brass. The form recalls a light and fine object which is integrated like a piece of scenery within the surroundings of the Hall of Mirrors.

The shine of its material is playing with reflections of light, without competing with the decor of the magnificent hall. Its three dimensional form provides the necessary strength for the stability of the object.

CLIENT
VINCI – Palace of Versailles

ASSIGNMENT
Competition

CONCEPT
el hassani & keller

PROGRAM
Design of a person guidance system for the Hall of Mirrors

SURFACE
800 m² net

TIMELINE
Competition 1st Prize, March 2007