An exhibition with works by Polish designer Izabela Bołoz has opened in the courtyard of Paris' Hôtel-Dieu hospital. Geometric modules complement the exhibition about the history of the place located on one of the islands in the Seine.
The Hôtel-Dieu is the oldest hospital located in Paris. It has witnessed the events of past centuries, and with it, its form has changed many times. What has remained permanent is the function - to this day the Hôtel-Dieu invariably serves medicine. That's why boards with illustrations and text designed by Cyril Delhomme have appeared on the grounds of this French tabernacle, describing the stories of function and place from the perspective of centuries. They are complemented by modules designed by Izabela Bołoz and Natalia Kaminska.
An exhibition with works by Polish designer Izabela Bołoz opened in the courtyard of the Paris Hôtel-Dieu hospital.
Photo: Julian Fraile | © Boloz Studio
Designer Izabela Bołoz talks about the design process, the use of modules and the value of the place
Wiktor Bochenek: The exhibition was created in a unique place, where history has been layered over centuries. How did you appeal to the spirit of the former hospital?
Izabela Bołoz: The monumental, Neo-Renaissance architecture of the hospital was emphasized by placing geometric modules in vivid, strong colors against its background. Simple lines contrast with decorative columns and arches, a certain dialogue between tradition and modernity is created. This mediation between is past and future is also the content of the exhibition itself - well-composed, modern and colorful graphics tell the story of the hospital's transformation and history.
The Hôtel-Dieu is the oldest hospital located in Paris. It has witnessed the events of past centuries, and with it has changed form many times.
Photo by Julian Fraile | © Boloz Studio
Victor: Thechoice of color scheme is interesting - we have a full range of colors here. Why such a choice?
Isabella: The set designer's vision from the beginning was to introduce vibrant, fresh colors into the project to make the space as dynamic as possible. At Studio Boloz, we love working with color and clients who are not afraid to introduce it into the space. We did over a dozen different color combinations and visualizations and chose the ones we liked best. The final touches and calibration of the palette were done by the graphic design studio Maison Solide, which synchronized the exact shades of the steel elements with the printed elements of the corporate identity.
The building's courtyard featured boards with illustrations and text designed by Cyril Delhomme'a
photo by Julian Fraile | © Boloz Studio
Victor: What was the process of working with Cyril Delhomme like?
Isabella: Very smoothly, positively and in a friendly atmosphere. We were in constant contact and consulted on an ongoing basis on all design issues. We prepared many variants and options for the arrangement of the elements in the courtyard, also leaving some margin for spontaneity when the exhibition was finally set up in the space.
They are complemented by modules designed by Izabela Bołoz and Natalia Kamińska.
photo by Julian Fraile | © Boloz Studio
Wiktor: The modules take different shapes - how were the usability issues resolved?
Izabela: We have been developing the usability of the modules in the Intersections collection as Studio Boloz for several years now, the modules are thought out in such a way as to provide users with as many different possibilities for their use as possible. They are open in interpretation - they can be used as a table, a seat, a high chair, a slide or a tunnel to walk through. Everyone uses them in their own way depending on location, age, need and mood.
Victor: Thank you for the interview.
The architecture of the hospital was highlighted by placing geometric modules in vivid, strong colors against its background
photo by Julian Fraile | © Boloz Studio
