PDT: Parisian Design Trip

At long last, the day had arrived. Or morning. Or night. Sleep deprivation prevents me from actually knowing what to call it, but it was time to head to Paris! Not only were we leaving the studio and the campus, but also the country!

Off we went in the wee hours of Monday morning to the big shmoke. Bags packed and passports at the ready, we arrived in the airport. Following the planes, trains and automobiles that is the French transport system, we arrived at the hostel. From here, we checked in, got our ball bearings and got ready to visit the Parisian equivalent of the FabLab.

Having met the lecturers, we grabbed the nearest metro and headed to the studio. Shown the machines and workspace of the studio. This was the highlight in regards to design on the trip. Seeing high tech equipment, dozens of 3D printers, and even a laser cutter (Oh the memories…). Having seen dozens of examples, and several materials of different origins (coconut husk, seaweed etc) we received a talk from Samuel Bernier, the head of the FabLab. He spoke to us about the process of rapid prototyping and even how he goes about hiring people. It was very in depth and helpful, even if half of us were falling asleep due to tiredness and early morning!

From the FabLab, we took a stroll back along the Viaduct and looked at some of the best designer shops Paris had to offer. This was disappointing due to the shops being closed. They had some fantastic window displays and excellent designed products inside. I was sad not to get to see the inside of the shops, but once it started raining, we all decided it was time to hit the road.

Waking up on Wednesday morning, after a short but sweet slumber, off to Centre Pompidou we went. I have to say that the building was one of the most fascinating ones that I have ever seen. A cross between scaffolding and what look like theme park slides, I personally preferred the building itself to most of its contents. However, some of the pieces were fascinating. From a print created by painted naked women rolling around on canvas (I know how bad that sounds) to a piece reminiscent of a Christmas tree created by Neon lights, it was more what looked nice than what the back story of each individual piece was for me.

From here, a group of us gathered and gorged on crepes before heading off to the city streets and The Champs Elysees. The Arc de Triomph, the shops, it had it all. Even some speedy cars. Exotic ones. Myself, Kevin and Brian spotted a rental of a Ferrari and faster than you could say “Highly illegal and dangerous”, I drove off with the boys in the back. Past the Elysee Palace, the Eiffel Tower and over the Seine, we bombed it down the road. Obviously done solely to understand and experience the high quality design of the exotic sports car, and not to fulfil the dream of driving one, this was one of the greatest experiences of the holiday.

To top off the day, we went to the Eiffel Tower and took the boat tour down the Seine. In the cold, rain and the wind, we sat on top of the boat and chatted, joked and enjoyed the sights that were the bank of the river. Although frozen and soaking wet, we went up and down the river taking in the likes of the Eiffel Tower, The Louvre and Notre Dame. Not only was I able to enjoy the view, I was able to appreciate the size and effort that went into manufacturing each statue. Each gargoyle. Each archway. It was something I had always previously overlooked, and something I had taken for granted. This was the first time I could actually see the detailing that was required to make these, and without modern technology even.

Waking up on Thursday morning I could not wait to see the Science Museum. This was something I had been looking forward to since our trip to our trip to the one in Dublin. However, I am sad to say it did not do an awful lot for me. Yes it had much to see and do, it really did not appeal to my designer side of thinking, and only for one of two exhibits involving mathematics, it was not my cup of tea.

From here, we went to the Catacombs and what awaited us was one of the longest waits. In the rain, cold and more rain, we stood clustered together under umbrellas waiting for two and a half hours like mad people. Yes we are mad, but I had such a good time. Chatting and joking together once again, I thoroughly enjoyed the craic we had, apart from when I accidently broke an umbrella and had to brace the worst weather Paris had to offer.

Once inside I was completely blown away by the sights. The vast quantity of bones and skulls were simply incredible, and something that was simply astonishing. The fact that each skull represented an individual was something that really made me think. The wait was truly worth it, and even though we rushed through due to fears of hypothermia, I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting.

That evening, we took it easy and went to see the Notre Dame Cathedral. The size of it, accompanied by the river nearby was picturesque and simply amazing. Once again the man hours that went into manufacturing a building, without high tech machinery or electronics was simply mind boggling. How they did it, I’ll never know. This was a great end to the day, and one I thoroughly enjoyed. I also gave another Trompe L'Oeuil attempt, but let's just say my perspective was a bit off.

On Friday morning, I soaked up the last bit of French cuisine I could. I ate a baguette filled with the best French meats and delicacies I could buy (for under a tenner). The rest of the day was simply travelling back to the airport, a trip I did with a heavy heart, as I would not have said no to another day or six to browse and take in the French culture.

All in all the trip was fantastic, filled with experiences I am sure to remember.

Le Fabshop: http://www.lefabshop.fr/

History of the Eiffel Tower: http://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/worlds-fair-relics-paris

The Catacombs: http://www.catacombes.paris.fr/

Notre Dame: http://www.notredamecathedralparis.com/