Mathieu Lehanneur Wows Design World With Marble Pools

One of the more innovative designers operating today is Frenchman Mathieu Lehanneur. A multi-disciplinary designer-turned-science-based-artist, he has become a true original working in-between many fields.

From solar powered benches that charge your phone to using plants to purify air to vaccine boxes, Mathieu Lehanneur uses forward thinking ideas integrating them into everyday objects, he is as much a fan of visionary scientists such as Alexander Bell and Nicolas Tesla as he his of the design giants like Buckminster Fuller, both equally inspiring him. His portfolio of work combines technology, science and art, ultimately delivering new experiences and products.

He works with well-known brands including Veuve Cliquot, Cartier, Poltrona Frau, Issey Miyake and Nike, and Chinese giant Huawei just named him head of its new design research centre in Paris.

His most recent work includes a series of  incredibly realistic ocean like marble pools rolled out in different locations, here (above) it can be seen at the Chaumont garden festival in France then most recently (below) at the London design festival at the V&A museum.

How is it done? By using specific techniques from 3-D printing. In a statement he said, ‘I’m always trying to understand how the human brain works, and how to put people in a very specific state of mind,’ says Lehanneur. ‘the piece doesn’t move, but the reflection of light on the polished marble makes it feel like a real sea. the idea is to bring a piece of the water to a place where there is none, to create a contemplative experience.’

You have until November 2nd to see the marble at the Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire Centre D’Arts.