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Blog / Design / A proposal by matali crasset for Actiu
A proposal by matali crasset for Actiu

A proposal by matali crasset for Actiu

SEPTEMBER 2026
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3 minutes
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The expression ‘LIVING TWICE’ simply means leading a life in such a way that it is effectively doubled. ‘Living twice’ is a space within a company or the home, designed to enrich one’s lived experience. This project is a logical continuation of my research, on the one hand, into the expansion of function on a spatial scale and, on the other, into the implementation of new typologies that bring people together.

It involves imagining an ‘augmented’ space: a physical environment that has been enriched, but without resorting to virtual tools, whilst remaining firmly rooted in reality. A hybrid environment, yet one that is entirely real.

A single space that allows you to move very quickly from one setting to another.

A project that reflects the brand’s pragmatic approach, which:

_builds, project by project, a genuine track record of commitment to people and the planet.

_shapes projects that are meaningful and, as a result, enduring. The vitality of the company’s ecosystem and user loyalty depend on this.

A single space that allows you to move very quickly from one lifestyle scenario to another. It has the advantage of enabling two activities to coexist in a more compact space, without requiring major alterations, as the system consists solely of furniture.

The innovation lies in the creation of a semi-spherical central display.
A space for relaxation designed by Matali Crasset
A space for relaxation designed by Matali Crasset

The first version of the project presented proposes: on the one hand, meeting to work either formally (around a semi-spherical table, facing a screen that can be mounted on a screen) or informally on a sofa, but together. On the other hand, a space is provided for coffee breaks or lunch, consisting of several islands that allow people to gather in small groups.

A space to meet and work informally, by Matali Crasset
A space to meet and work informally, by Matali Crasset

A form that functions both as a sign and as a focal point:

_A sign inviting people to pause and gather. A colourful sign consisting of concentric circles of different colours radiating outwards from the centre. The colour of these circles is coordinated with that of the surrounding furniture, thus creating a sense of unity within the space. A sign to make the space stand out whilst maintaining a spirit of serenity. A screen that keeps the space open enough to be integrated into daily life, yet enclosed enough to create a distinct atmosphere on either side. The screen consists of a double acoustic panel made from recycled PET felt, which helps to reduce noise disturbance. A human-scale screen, 2.50 m high, which maintains reasonable proportions and breaks away from the conventions of typical partition elements thanks to its semi-spherical shape.

A space designed by matali crasset for Actiu at Design Paris Week
A space designed by matali crasset for Actiu at Design Paris Week

_Centrality: thanks to its shape, the space acts as a focal point, a meeting place. In urban planning, centrality refers to the capacity of a place or a hub to exert a pull, to act as a focal point, and to provide services to a wider area or network. Centrality is applied here on a smaller scale, but the installation anchors life in the place where it is situated. This is brought about by the convergence of the circle at the centre of the panel with that of the table opposite.

A new type of screen that reimagines existing pieces of furniture from Actiu, offering a fresh approach to spatial organisation.
A screen designed by Matali Crasset using Actiu products
A screen designed by Matali Crasset using Actiu products

It is a deliberate choice because, as the British philosopher Tim Ingold puts it, what matters in the creative process is not whether an idea is new or even whether it is an innovative combination of fragments of older ideas. What matters is the impact it has, and in this case it is more a question of a change of perspective.

Portrait of Matali Crasset by Anthony Lanneretonne
Portrait of Matali Crasset by Anthony Lanneretonne
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