Interview: Infrastructure Studio -Borderless design spanning multiple disciplines-

Infrastructure Studio was founded in 2019 by brothers Macéo and Arthur, and began as an experimental side project while they were studying in Paris. With backgrounds in architecture and fashion design, they embrace a multidisciplinary approach that encompasses product design, stage design, and fashion. Their designs are heavily influenced by the urban environment of Paris, combining traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technologies such as 3D printing. We interviewed them about their work, which challenges conventional boundaries and offers a new perspective on contemporary design.

Please tell us what prompted you to start the studio and your backgrounds.

Infrastructure Studio started as a personal project while I was still at university in 2019. At first, I had no specific plans for the future, and my goal was to create a space for experimental creative activities outside of school.

We grew up in the suburbs of Paris, surrounded by a rich social diversity at the crossroads of many cultures. Looking back, we feel that our experiences and cultural influences have had a profound impact on our current aesthetic sense and approach to design. Our interest in urban landscapes, materials, and architecture gradually grew stronger. At university, Maceo studied architecture at the Ecole Nationale d'Architecture de Paris-Val-de-Seine, and Arthur studied fashion design at the Ecole Duprée des Beaux-Arts in Paris. The knowledge and experience we gained in our respective fields of expertise combined to develop a multidisciplinary approach that transcends genre boundaries.

Your work spans a wide range, from interior accessories and furniture design to stage art and fashion. How do you balance all of these?

Our work is born from our individual interests. We each have different skills that complement each other, and we try to find commonalities and connections to balance our different disciplines.

For example, when designing accessories or furniture, I sometimes get inspiration from the elements I use when creating fashion pieces. I also collect and sample details that catch my eye at the time, and find elements that I can use in my work. Through this process, I am able to express a unified aesthetic that transcends genres in various ways.

You incorporate modern technology such as 3D printing into some of your work, but how do you incorporate elements of handwork into your projects while still maintaining a sense of craftsmanship?

While I utilize technologies like CAD and 3D printing to create prototypes at various scales, I also value the element of handcraft and the quality of materials. These technologies are a way to accurately visualize and test ideas, and sometimes they are even turned into products. However, these technologies are merely tools in the initial stages; my ultimate goal is to actually create something. The process of creating each piece is different. For example, the Fragment 001 bench is inspired by mass-produced car parts, but by using wood and finishing it by hand, it has become a unique piece, almost like a sculpture. I feel that by creating works with such dual meanings, I can create new values.

The garments designed by Infrastructure Studio have a unique functional aesthetic and many of them seem to redefine clothing archetypes. Are these designs the result of experimenting with materials and shapes?

Yes, that's right. I'm interested in the functionality of clothing and get inspiration from sportswear and military archives. I start from existing clothing archetypes and treat them as blank canvases when I design. I experiment with different materials and shapes to create clothes that suit modern fashion. Many of my experiments are realized by creating patterns using digital software. Furthermore, 3D modeling allows me to quickly create designs, as if I were sculpting them onto the body.

Are there any creators you respect or people who have influenced you?

I draw inspiration from a variety of fields. For example, I have been greatly influenced by Gordon Matta-Clark, an important figure in American art in the 1970s, and his radical approach to sculpture. His series of "Building Cuts," in which he boldly cuts out buildings, blurs the boundary between architecture and contemporary art, offering viewers new perspectives.

The work of Mohamed Bourouissa has also had a strong influence on me. He creates work that offers insight into society and focuses on those who do not have a public voice. I was particularly moved by his recent exhibition at the Palais de Tokyo in Paris.

Of course, I have also been inspired by many other artists and architects, such as architects Tadao Ando, ​​Mies van der Rohe, and Rem Koolhaas, and fashion designers Samuel Ross, Craig Green, and Massimo Osti, who have also had a major influence on me.

What are your thoughts on incorporating AI and advanced technology into the design process?

At the moment, we don't use AI much, but with AI and advanced technology evolving rapidly, we would like to use it more in the future. We feel that such technology can enhance creativity, streamline work, and explore new design possibilities. As technology continues to advance, we intend to actively incorporate it in order to be at the forefront of innovation.

Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations you're looking forward to?

As for ongoing projects, we are proposing new furniture to expand the "Fragment" series. We also plan to exhibit some of our past works at Paris Design Week in September. We are also working on a new clothing line. This project is taking some time, but we want to create designs that will be loved for a long time and that we can be truly proud of.

What kind of music do you usually enjoy?

Music has a big impact on my daily life. I've listened to a variety of genres, but the one I've been listening to for a long time is rap. In France, there are many fascinating artists who are fusing rap with other genres to create new styles. I'm attracted to its versatility and constant evolution.