Cosmos and Matter: A Sustainable Design Journey in Paris
If you’ve ever needed an excuse to visit Paris, Cosmos and Matter is the perfect reason. Set within a Haussmann apartment in the heart of the city, this immersive project redefines the way we interact with the spaces and objects around us, inviting visitors to rethink their relationship with design, nature, and the world.
Cosmos and Matter is the brainchild of Marie-Cassandre Bultheel, co-founder of the Sustainable Design Association. The project celebrates sustainable living by merging aesthetics, wellness, and eco-friendly materials in a space where every detail has been carefully curated to highlight the beauty and harmony of nature.
The goal is not only to showcase design but to create a space where people can reconnect with their environment, taking in the true essence of “living design.”
Marie-Cassandre explains, “We believe that the nature of the choices we make influences our interiority daily and, more broadly, the state of the world.” The ethos behind the space is rooted in ancient knowledge and wisdom, marrying modern practices with a deep respect for the Earth. It’s an invitation to experience a new form of luxury - one that takes care of the planet while nourishing the soul.
This temporary exhibition, open from November 7, 2024, to February 16, 2025, is more than just a showroom or gallery. The 250 square meter apartment is divided into 10 distinct areas, each designed to guide visitors through a sensory journey. From the Botanic Bar and Table of the Living to the Moon Lounge and a cosmic soundscape room, every space offers a unique perspective on how to live more sustainably. It’s a profound exploration of eco-conscious living that goes beyond simple aesthetics and emphasizes mindful connection with the world.
Marie-Cassandre continues, “This installation proposes a new aesthetic of luxury, expressed through reconnection, sustainability, and harmony.” The materials chosen for the installation reflect the project's philosophy, showcasing natural, non-toxic elements such as reclaimed wood, vegetable leathers, and earth-derived pigments. These pieces, designed by innovative artists and designers, honour natural cycles and respect the Earth.
A few of the standout creators featured in the project include Alyssa Jos, Anna-Alexandra, Atelier Musset, and BehaghelFoiny, among others. Their works exemplify a luxury rooted in the Earth, crafted with care and reverence for nature’s rhythms.
As an artistic director and curator, Marie-Cassandre’s vision is to approach each space as a living entity - unique and elevated by the harmony of its materials. She believes that beauty transcends simple appearance and should create a beneficial atmosphere that nurtures both the place and the people who inhabit it.
Looking to the future, Cosmos and Matter plans to bring its message of sustainable living to other cities around the world. From 2025 onwards, the project will continue to challenge and reshape our understanding of design and the environment, fostering a new relationship between people, space, and the planet.
For more information on Cosmos and Matter and to experience this groundbreaking exhibition, visit the space in Paris before it closes on February 16, 2025.
Credits
Project by Cosmos and Matter, Instagram: @cosmos__and__matter
Curation by Marie-Cassandre Bultheel and Hélène Aguilar, Instagram: @mcbultheel and @ouestlebeau
Photography by Jérôme Galland and Mathilde Hiley, Instagram: @jeromegalland and @mathildehiley