Workspace Expo 2026

Workspace Expo 2026

The Workspace Expo, a leading European event for design and interior design, once again lived up to expectations from March 24 to 26.

Over the course of three days, the event brought together the entire ecosystem—visionary manufacturers, bold designers, technical experts, and strategic decision-makers—to shape the office of tomorrow. Against a backdrop of constantly evolving attitudes toward work, this edition highlighted concrete solutions that combine collective performance, individual well-being, and an increasingly refined aesthetic.

As we do every year, the Parella teams were on hand to explore these new frontiers in commercial real estate. Our presence is essential to decipher the transformations underway, pick up on emerging trends, and test the innovations that will fuel our future projects. Fully immersed in the latest trends, we refined our perspective on sustainable solutions and collaborative technologies, with a clear goal: to continue guiding our clients toward workspaces that are no longer merely places of transit, but true destinations with high added value.

The takeaway: The history of the office needs to be rewritten.

It’s becoming clear what employees are looking for in the office: learning, connecting, and creating together.

1. AI is reshaping work; the office fosters community
AI automates, accelerates, and takes over certain tasks. What it cannot do, however, is foster community. The office remains the place where collective intelligence is built, where knowledge is shared through physical presence, and where social connections cannot be delegated to a tool.

2. The Learning Space: A Central Focus
While the office should foster learning, it must also create the right conditions for it. In an environment where demands are constant and the flow of information is continuous, concentration has become a challenge in itself. Acoustics, booths, quiet zones, air quality: these factors, prominently featured at the trade show, are what make the office a place where people can truly learn.

3. A space where everyone feels at home
Disabilities, mental load, sensory sensitivities, and the need for solitude: inclusion in the workplace goes far beyond what meets the eye. Between 15% and 20% of the population has a neuroatypical profile. For these employees, the work environment can make all the difference.  Designing with everyone in mind from the start means creating a better space for everyone—a place where people feel safe, at home, and fully able to work.

4. Circular Furniture: From Concept to Practice
A section dedicated to the circular economy confirms that reuse is here to stay. Secondhand furniture, recycled materials: responsible sourcing is now integrated from the design stage.

For Parella, these findings directly inform our recommendations.

What we’ve seen fuels the questions we ask ourselves with every project: Is this space designed for learning, connecting, and growing?

From real estate strategy to space design, from project management to change management, we are involved at every stage of your project, guided by a steadfast belief: a well-designed space is a driver of performance and culture.

And we can’t wait to write this new chapter of our office’s story together with you.

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Neurodiversity in Design

Neurodiversity in Design: How the Workplace Is Adapting to Its Employees

For years, workplace design has emphasized collaboration, culture, and experience.

More recently, he has turned his attention to well-being, flexibility, and choice. But one of the most important debates regarding the built environment is just beginning to gain traction: neurodiversity. Andrew Zacharias, National Director of Agilité Luxembourg, explores this topic in greater detail.

According to the CIPD, neurodiversity refers to natural differences in how the human brain functions and in behavioral traits, and estimates suggest that up to 20% of the population may exhibit some form of neurodiversity. Meanwhile, BSI’s PAS 6463 standard, the UK guide on neurodiversity and the built environment, clearly states that design must meet the needs of a neurodiverse society and create places that are “more inclusive for everyone.”

Workstation | Workspace Design Show 2026

Rethinking the Workplace: Why Is Neurodiversity So Important Today?

This last point is important because neurodiversity in the field of design is often portrayed as a niche issue, or a topic that concerns only a specific minority group. In practice, this frame of reference can be part of the problem. It makes the subject seem too specialized before people have even had a chance to understand it.

What is clear, both in research and in practice, is that it is not simply a matter of designing for a label. It is a matter of designing for people as they truly are: different from one another, different from one task to the next, and often different from one day to the next.

Create work environments that reflect the way people actually work

Offices have traditionally been designed according to a one-size-fits-all model, but many of the features now associated with neuro-inclusive design—such as quieter zones, clearer spatial cues, improved acoustics, and a wider range of layouts—benefit far more than just a single group of users.

This is consistent with the available data. Research on workplace design has repeatedly shown that there is no such thing as a truly “off-the-shelf” office, and that personality, preferences, and tasks all influence how people perceive a space and work within it. A 2018 research collaboration between the University of Bath, Bath Spa University, and Atkins specifically supported this thesis, highlighting that different spatial and environmental qualities—including density, views, and noise levels—shape the experience in different ways, and that activity-based environments can help support different tasks and user profiles.

Perhaps the best place to start, then, isn’t “How can we design for neurodivergent people?” but “Why have we accepted workplaces that require everyone to work under exactly the same conditions?”

Open-plan offices are a good example. For certain tasks and certain personalities, they can foster energy, interaction, and visibility. For others, they are a constant source of distraction that hinders concentration. A recent systematic review of 55 studies (Design Research Society Digital Library) found that background noise and open-plan workspaces have a negative impact on workplace well-being, while views of plants and natural elements can improve it. Another 2025 study of 971 employees working in activity-based offices found that a greater sense of task privacy, a better fit between the individual and their environment, higher satisfaction with the work environment, and greater ease in changing workspaces were associated with better recovery, greater work capacity, a lower risk of burnout, and fewer symptoms of insomnia.

This helps explain why the debate over neurodiversity in design is gaining momentum today—not in isolation, but alongside broader questions about the future of the office itself. Since the pandemic, organizations have spent a lot of time wondering how to encourage people to return to the workplace. Generally, this debate centers on collaboration, hospitality, and community. These elements are important. But they are not the whole answer.

People don’t come to the office just for the atmosphere. They come for different reasons, depending on the day. Sometimes they need to connect with others. Sometimes they need to focus. Sometimes they need a sense of belonging. Sometimes they need a quieter place than their home. Sometimes they need a quieter place than the office where they already work.

That is why neuro-inclusive design should not be reduced to a simple list of technical specifications. It is not simply a matter of adding a rest room and considering the job done. It is about recognizing that everyone perceives space differently, and that good design offers them multiple ways to thrive within that space.

The BSI’s PAS 6463 standard reflects this diversity. It covers lighting, acoustics, thermal comfort, and wayfinding, but the fundamental principle is that poorly designed environments can cause avoidable stress and exclusion, while the best ones reduce friction and facilitate participation. This is not just a social argument; it is also a business argument. The World Health Organization notes that safe and healthy work environments are more likely to minimize workplace tensions and conflicts and improve staff retention, performance, and productivity. The CIPD also highlights the importance of neuro-inclusion for well-being, performance, and retention.

This is where the topic becomes particularly interesting from a conceptual standpoint. Because once we stop viewing it as merely an addition to inclusion, it begins to refine the entire set of specifications.

From Compliance to Experience: A New Approach to Inclusive Design

Workplace Lighting | Workplace Design Expo 2026

Lighting is no longer just a matter of compliance and lux levels. It is now about control, glare, contrast, and the impact of different types of light on attention and fatigue. Acoustics is no longer a secondary technical consideration. It is now essential for enabling people to think effectively. Wayfinding is not limited to signage. It is about reducing cognitive load and making a space legible. Space planning is not just about density and headcount. It is about offering both a refuge and opportunities for interaction, predictability, and stimulation.

If we collectively accept that different tasks require different environments, and that hybrid work has changed employees’ expectations regarding autonomy and concentration, it follows that the most resilient workplaces will be those that offer people more choice, greater clarity, and less unnecessary stress. This is certainly a good thing for neurodivergent colleagues. But it’s also beneficial for the finance manager trying to work on numbers without being interrupted, for the project team reviewing plans in a lively group setting, or for the person who simply arrived that morning feeling overstimulated.

This distinction is important because it shifts our perspective away from viewing design as something intended for a small group of people, and instead sees it as a response to the reality of human diversity. Our moods change. Our tasks change. Our abilities change. We are not robots, and our workplaces should stop acting as if we were. Some people prefer to be in the thick of things, others need a quieter environment, and many of us shift between these states depending on the day and the task at hand.

One of the challenges for clients is that neuro-inclusive design is ahead of the market in some respects. The intent is there, but the data is only just beginning to emerge. Compared to sustainability, where benchmarks and cost overruns are better understood, neurodiversity in design can still feel like venturing into uncharted territory. Clients understand the logic behind it, but it is harder to quantify the return on investment in the same way when the outcomes are human, behavioral, and long-term.

That is why this discussion is so important to us today. We are working on a major project in Luxembourg where neurodiversity is not an afterthought, but a fundamental design principle. This is already changing the nature of the questions we ask—and rightly so. Not “What does a standard office look like?” but “What kind of environment helps more people perform at their best?” Not “What is the bare minimum we need to provide?” but “How can we design a workplace that is intuitive, supportive, and accessible to as many people as possible?”

In fact, this is a question that strikes me as particularly relevant to the future of work, because in reality, the office is no longer just competing with other offices, but also with the home, autonomy, comfort, and people’s growing willingness to say—quite reasonably—“This environment isn’t right for me.”

What I’ve learned over the past few months is that neurodiversity in design isn’t about creating special accommodations, but about taking into account what people have been telling us—both directly and indirectly—for years: the environment shapes behavior, concentration, mood, and a sense of belonging.

Workplaces that take this reality into account will not only be more inclusive; they will be better.

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Building Change

Building change through a more inclusive sector.

Despite decades of advocacy and investment, women remain severely underrepresented across the construction industry. According to a study conducted by Simian Risk, women account for only 14% of the total workforce in the UK construction industry, and only 1% hold manual labor positions on construction sites.

Following Women in Construction Week and International Women’s Day, we spoke with our Country Manager for Germany, Sara Purvis, to hear her perspective on the challenges and opportunities ahead.

I’ll be honest: until recently, I hadn’t really taken the time to think about the importance of WIC Week. Perhaps, like many, I thought things were gradually improving. Yet the more I looked into it, the more I felt that progress was stagnating—and that, in some areas, we were even seeing a step backward.

In our industry, leadership roles remain disproportionately held by men, with women occupying just 7% of executive positions and board seats. And although 15% of apprentices in the construction sector are now women—an improvement from less than 10% a decade ago—progress remains slow. Only 13% of construction companies in the UK are owned by women, and the sector continues to have a 20% gender pay gap—one of the highest across all sectors.

These statistics highlight an undeniable reality: this must change. Not only because equality is a matter of principle, but also because the sector is facing significant shortages of skilled labor that cannot be resolved as long as 50% of the population remains underrepresented.

Photo of several people in a meeting room looking towards a screen or a main speaker who is off-camera.

Looking back over 30 years (from a personal perspective)

In 2026, it will have been thirty years since I first set foot on a construction site. At the time, I was a student on a gap year and was working as an assistant on the land planning team at Wimpey Homes. I remember feeling no sense of being at a disadvantage—only optimism, enthusiasm, and the confidence that my resolutely feminist high school had instilled in me.

Throughout my career, I have often (though not always) been the only woman in the room. And yet, I felt like an equal among my peers. I felt like I belonged. I realize today just how lucky—and privileged—that makes me. So the question I ask myself is this: “If it seemed so simple three decades ago, why does the construction sector still have the lowest female participation rate of any industry in the UK today?”

Photo of a 4-person team exchanging ideas, in front of a red wall and posters.

The broader context – the United Kingdom versus Germany

Some answers can be found in history. In Germany, for example, women were legally barred from many construction trades until 1994—the same year I was taking my first steps on construction sites in North Yorkshire. It’s hard not to see an echo of that law in the current very low representation of women in German manual trades.

But the situation in the United Kingdom raises other questions. Women now make up a much larger proportion of the workforce in construction-related professions such as architecture, engineering, and project management—but not in manual trades.

Is Germany’s highly regulated and formalized apprenticeship system part of the problem there? And is the United Kingdom facing a similar situation because the culture on construction sites has evolved more slowly than that of the liberal professions?

Looking ahead…

Faye Allen’s book, *Building Women*, sheds new light on the realities faced by women in the construction industry today. Drawing on the results of a survey of more than 1,000 participants, it highlights the obstacles women still face—whether it’s inadequate facilities on construction sites or hostile micro-cultures—and offers suggestions for improving the situation.

Above all, the improvements the industry needs are not simply “women’s issues.” These are issues that affect everyone, because a safer, more inclusive, and more professional environment benefits all staff, improves retention, and strengthens the industry’s reputation.

At Agilité, we are committed to being part of this change. Currently, women make up 40% of our leadership roles, compared to 60% men, and our goal is not simply to celebrate this representation, but to create environments where women can thrive, advance, and shape the future of our industry.

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OFFICES DESIGNED TO PROMOTE WELL-BEING

Why "dwell time" has become the new currency in commercial interiors

Hybrid work has transformed offices across Europe.

Most organizations now accept that employees don’t come to the office simply because the space exists, but because it offers them something worth the trip. As a result, “time spent in the office” has quietly become one of the most revealing indicators in workplace design.

However, it is not a question of keeping employees on the premises longer, but of understanding why they stay there.

 

interior view of the grand palais, white wall, central canvas

Before 2020, the office was a default location. Today, it is a destination with a specific purpose. Employees choose to go there when this space allows them to accomplish tasks that they cannot do as effectively at home, such as collaboration, socializing, team building, and intense concentration without domestic distractions.

Attendance time reveals when these needs are being met. For example, if colleagues arrive for a meeting and leave immediately, the workplace does not seem to be suited to ongoing engagement. If people linger after face-to-face sessions to have an informal coffee or use the office as a space for reflection, you can be sure that the environment is fulfilling its function.

© Ceremony of Roses Offices by 22RE

What motivates people to linger in modern workplaces?

In short, it's a combination of environmental, emotional, and social factors, which may include: 

  • Comfort and calm – Acoustics that promote privacy, natural (rather than clinical) lighting, and spaces that reduce the fatigue associated with being "always connected."

  • Sense of belonging – Design that reflects identity and culture (colors, materials, and layout) is an excellent way to encourage people to linger by giving them a sense of belonging.
  • Flexible zones – Relaxation areas, quiet corners, reading corners, creative spaces, and project rooms that can adapt to the needs of a hybrid workforce are essential.

     

  • Analog balance – Tactile and sensory materials that compensate for intensive screen work take the form of natural textures, soft surfaces, and even biophilic moments.

     

  • Micro-hospitality – Coffee areas should not be an afterthought, but a place that encourages conversation and relaxation. Careful consideration should also be given to the types of seating, as their comfort can make all the difference between staying and leaving.

Well-being at work has evolved from a simple perk to a goal in its own right, with neuroscience and environmental psychology constantly highlighting the impact of materials, light, acoustics, and sensory comfort on cognitive performance and emotional well-being. If the office does not promote well-being, employees will not linger there and will not want to return day after day.  

Even the best workplace strategy can fail if its implementation is poor. That's why organizations that design their spaces with the goal of fostering intentional presence, rather than achieving attendance targets, will naturally create spaces that attract people for the right reasons.

This theme is explored in our latest guide, written in collaboration with IA, entitled "Designing for Well-Being: Why Time, Trust, and Tangibility Define the Next Generation of Interiors." 

© Ceremony of Roses Offices by 22RE

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Parella Paris appoints a new Partner

Parella Paris appoints a new Partner

Parella, a leading player in the field of real estate consulting and professional space planning, announces the appointment of YounesAlla as Partner in its Paris office.

"At Parella, our partnership model is based on high standards, long-term commitment, and a strong belief that the most successful careers are built over time. We take real pleasure in seeing talented individuals like Younes Alla grow, expand their areas of responsibility, and become partners within our organization. This internal dynamic is not exclusive: it is greatly enriched by the regular arrival of new partners from outside the firm, who bring complementary perspectives and new expertise and fuel our capacity for innovation. It is this harmonious coexistence of continuity and openness that makes our collective so strong and unique," explains Olivier Neuman,President of Parella.

YOUNES ALLA

Younes joined Parella France's Workspace department in 2015, after building his career at several architecture and project management firms (including SCAU and JLL). Since then, he has played a key role in the completion of numerous commercial projects, including several complex and iconic operations, carried out on vacant and occupied sites, on existing buildings and buildings under construction.

His mastery of technical, strategic, and architectural issues, combined with a global vision of the project, has enabled him to establish himself as a leader in the management of projects as a general contractor (design and build), project manager, and project management consultant. His high standards, team spirit, and ability to secure projects for clients in all sectors make him a natural partner to support the development and excellence of the Workspace division.

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THE LENGTH OF STAY IN COMMERCIAL INTERIORS

Why "dwell time" has become the new currency in commercial interiors

For years, dwell time has been a familiar metric in the retail industry—a simple equation that links “time spent” to “probability of purchase.”

Recently, however, dwell time has evolved into something much more powerful: a measure of emotional connection, comfort, and a sense of belonging.

Photo with a gray sofa and a red armchair, with a wooden coffee table in the center, topped by flowers in a glass bottle.

Over the past decade, environments have been optimized for speed. Seamless digital journeys, one-click transactions, agile workplaces. Yet human behavior has changed, and consumers and colleagues alike now seek spaces that allow them to slow down while offering respite, a tactile dimension, and room to form authentic connections.

 

Length of stay
© Ceremony of Roses Offices by 22RE

As highlighted in Deloitte's study on consumer trends for 2025, people are increasingly drawn to sensory and analog experiences that counterbalance digital overload. For example, retail is shifting from an organizational layout to experiential flagship stores that encourage exploration and social interaction. We are seeing workplaces rethink their purpose, with time spent on site becoming an indicator of engagement, belonging, and well-being. And the hospitality industry, which has always been the benchmark for emotional connection, continues to shape expectations for comfort, attention, and service design.

However, living space is not solely the result of design, but rather the result of design and execution: the quality of the woodwork, the responsiveness of the lighting, the acoustic comfort, and the comfort underfoot. And to top it all off, trust between architects, clients, and contractors is the secret ingredient that ensures that the vision is transformed into a lived experience.

Square footage, financial plans, and schedules remain essential, but the spaces that will succeed are those that respect people's time and will be rewarded with more time. To learn more, check out our latest guide, "Designing for Well-Being: Why Time, Trust, and Tangibility Define the Next Era of Interior Design." 

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WHY SOME STORES KEEP CUSTOMERS

Why retailers design stores that customers want to linger in

For some major retail chains, the time has come to enter a new era.

While online shopping wins out in terms of speed, brick-and-mortar stores win the battle for the customer experience, because today, the most successful stores aren’t the fastest or the ones with the highest transaction volumes, but the ones where customers choose to linger.

Time spent in a store has long been associated with conversion in terms of sales, but its role now extends to measuring emotional connection, brand memory, and sensory satisfaction. When customers linger, they explore more, engage more deeply, and, most importantly, want to come back.

Retailers recognize that people don't just want "things"—yes, sometimes people go to a store to buy something specific and leave right away—but often, shoppers take advantage of the opportunity to spend the day and seek out environments that evoke emotions.

Stores retain customers
© Berg & Ridge Helsinki Office by Fyra Design Agency

It is this emotional resonance that determines the amount of time spent in the store, but what tools and tactics can we use to create such a feeling? 

  • Materiality and atmosphere – Natural finishes, warm lighting, and soft acoustics give the impression that the spaces were designed with care rather than built for commercial purposes.

  • Breaks – Moments to sit down and breathe, or a stroll through the store that encourages customers to linger quietly and admire the carefully arranged displays.
  • Sensory balance – Scents (even outside the store), touch, quiet areas, and visual clarity can all help counterbalance digital overload.

  • Telling a story through space – Brands that express their identity through materials, layout, and product display create environments that feel meaningful rather than generic.

  • Influence of the hotel industry – From attentive service to comfortable spaces where customers can take a break, the retail sector draws much of its inspiration from the hotel industry.

Of course, the living room is not only a design challenge, it is also a delivery challenge, and commercial interiors must meet higher standards in terms of finish, durability, and consistency to ensure that the atmosphere remains welcoming long after opening day.  

With every detail contributing to the emotional ambiance of the store, spaces that provide a sense of well-being are prime candidates for becoming part of shoppers' daily habits and weekend rituals. So much so that it could be argued that time spent in-store is no longer about retaining customers, but about earning a place in their lives.

This theme is explored in our latest guide, written in collaboration with IA, entitled "Designing for Dwell(being): Why time, trust, and tangibility define the next era of interiors."

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THE RISE OF ANALOG SPACES

The Rise of Analog Spaces: Why the Future Seems More Human

The past decade has been marked by the rapid advancement of digital technology. Artificial intelligence, automation, and virtual environments are transforming the way we work, shop, and socialize, but as the world speeds up, the places where people gather are slowing down.

From trowel-applied plaster to natural light and imperfect textures, analog details have become a hallmark of quality. People are tired of seamless spaces that all look the same. They want contrast, authenticity, and a tactile experience.

A bright living room featuring a sculptural, organically shaped central table, surrounded by white armchairs and a floating light fixture, all set against a refined Parisian backdrop.

Harvard’s Healthy Buildings team notes that sensory richness is closely linked to well-being, cognitive focus, and emotional satisfaction—all indicators of the kinds of environments where people want to spend time. But why is the analog experience so important today?

The answer may lie in its ability to:

  • Keep people grounded in reality

     

  • To provide a sensory contrast to life spent in front of screens

     

  • Reduce cognitive fatigue

     

  • Encourage presence and taking breaks

     

  • Create emotional memories.
A view of an artistic pendant light made of amber-colored glass pebbles, suspended in front of large windows overlooking Haussmann-style facades.

In retail, this often translates to minimalist, honest materials, while in workplaces, we see warm, comforting finishes, soft acoustics, and nature-inspired design. In the hospitality sector, this has long been the norm. The common theme, however, is that in 2026, analog isn’t nostalgic—it’s essential.

And this is the theme that runs throughout our latest guide, written in collaboration with AI, “Designing for Dwell(being): Why time, trust, and tangibility define the next era of interiors.”

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ART IN THE OFFICE

Art in the office

Art & Heritage – When art breathes life into spaces.

Career path & VISION

1. Can you tell us about your background and what led you to create the LDG Art & Patrimoine gallery ?

You know, I've always been fascinated by how art can transform a place... and the people who pass through it.

After studying art history and specializing in the art market at the École du Louvre, I had the opportunity to enjoy some wonderful experiences in Rome and Paris—in galleries, on curatorial projects, and above all, through encounters with incredibly talented young artists.

And one day, I thought to myself: what if we rethought the way we experience a work of art?
Not just hanging it on a white wall. But a real dialogue: between the work, the architecture, the history of a place, and the daily lives of those who live there.

That's how LDG Art & Patrimoine was born—a nomadic gallery where I combine my passion for curating with tailor-made projects for businesses and individuals alike.

An adventure where each project becomes an encounter... and where beauty is always the guiding thread.

2. What made you want to create a dialogue between art, architecture, and professional spaces?

Architecture creates the framework... and art is its soul.

I imagined my first exhibitions in Rome—a city where every stone and every facade tells a story. There, heritage and architecture are not just a backdrop: they become a source of inspiration, a veritable showcase for contemporary art.

I firmly believe that art has this power: to transform the perception of a space, stimulate creativity, and enrich our everyday experience.
When art and architecture interact, something magical happens. We are no longer talking only about function, but about life, emotion, and presence.

I have had the opportunity to exhibit artists in very different venues—from private, intimate spaces to corporate headquarters.

But each time, the idea remains the same: to bring beauty into the places where we spend most of our time.
Because a place can be useful, yes... but when art is involved, it comes alive. And often it takes us by surprise. It amazes us.

3.What are your main missions today, and those of your gallery?

My role is twofold: on the one hand, to assist companies and individuals in selecting and integrating works that are suited to their space and identity; on the other hand, to support and promote artists by connecting them with projects that are meaningful to them and to the space.

View from part of the gallery
© LdG Art & Heritage

Artistic strategy

1. How does integrating art into office spaces go beyond mere decoration?

Art enhances workspaces. From an aesthetic point of view, art enhances spaces, creates a unique atmosphere, and gives soul to a workplace that is often too impersonal and standardized.

Art transforms the sensory and emotional experience of a place. It creates connections, arouses curiosity, and can even positively influence the creativity and well-being of employees. It's not just about "filling a wall," but about adding depth and meaning to the professional environment.

2. What are the essential criteria for selecting a work or artist for a design project?

The work must interact with the architecture, the history of the place, and the DNA of the company. But the artist must also have a sincere approach, and their proposal must open up a space for reflection or emotion for those who live or work in that place.

Art, architecture, and the identity of places

1. Your approach is closely linked to the architecture and history of the venues. How does this influence your curatorial work?

Each space has its own identity, proportions, and atmosphere. My job is to listen to these characteristics and find works that will complement them or create a poetic contrast. The history of the venue is an incredible source of inspiration for creating a rich dialogue.

2. How do you create a dialogue between a work of art and a company's identity, DNA, or architectural concept?

I always start by understanding the company: its culture, values, and positioning. Then I look for works that embody these traits and can enrich the experience of employees and visitors by playing with light, color, volume, and spatial layout.

3. Can you give a concrete example of a project where art has truly transformed the perception of a space?

For example, in a recent project for an innovative company, we created a masterful immersive work for their lobby in the form of a glass and brass suspension where the viewer can move around, losing touch with the real world, and place photographs on the walls of other spaces. These works change the perception of open spaces and relaxation areas. Employees begin to interact differently with their environment, and visitors are very surprised and enthusiastic.

Colorful artwork displayed outdoors
© LdG Art & Heritage
Seen from above a table
© LdG Art & Heritage

CSR, commitment, and employee experience

1. L’art peut-il être un levier pour renforcer la culture d’entreprise et créer du lien entre collaborateurs ?

Absolument.
L’art, c’est avant tout un moyen de créer du lien entre les gens.
C’est un vecteur de rencontres, d’échanges, de conversations qu’on n’aurait peut-être jamais eues autrement.

Quand une entreprise intègre l’art dans ses espaces, elle offre à ses employés, à ses clients, à ses partenaires… une occasion rare : celle d’échanger autrement, de sortir du cadre hiérarchique, de parler d’autre chose que de chiffres ou de dossiers.

Parce que l’art, c’est un langage universel.
Il ouvre le dialogue, stimule la créativité, et favorise l’inclusion.
Une œuvre d’art devient un point de rencontre, un sujet de discussion, une source d’inspiration commune.
Et puis, il y a la rencontre avec les artistes.
Les échanges, les visites d’ateliers, les outils de médiation — tout cela rend l’art accessible, même à ceux qui se disent “pas initiés”.
On ne se contente plus de regarder une œuvre : on découvre sa technique, sa démarche, son intention.

Et c’est là que la magie opère.
Parce que ce moment partagé, entre émotion et curiosité, touche quelque chose de profondément humain.
Face à l’art, on se sent vivant.

2. Comment les entreprises peuvent-elles concilier mécénat artistique, responsabilité sociétale et attractivité de leurs espaces ?

Eh bien, tout commence par le sens.
En soutenant des artistes émergents ou locaux, d’intégrer des œuvres durables, éco-responsables, ou simplement de rendre ses espaces plus agréables, plus inspirants pour tous.
Et puis, rien ne remplace la rencontre : j’encourage souvent les entreprises à aller voir les artistes, à visiter leurs ateliers. Parce que c’est là que naît le lien, la compréhension mutuelle, et finalement, la fierté de s’associer à une démarche artistique.

L’art, c’est bien plus qu’un objet décoratif.
C’est une manière d’exprimer ce qu’est l’entreprise, ses valeurs, sa vision du monde.
C’est un investissement responsable, qui montre une ouverture d’esprit et qui, en plus, vous différencie clairement de vos concurrents.
Quand on entre dans un lieu où l’art est présent, on ressent immédiatement une identité, une atmosphère, un supplément d’âme.

Et puis il y a une vraie mission sociétale derrière tout ça.
Exposer des œuvres, c’est participer à la démocratisation de la culture, encourager la création, et offrir des émotions à ceux qui vivent ou travaillent dans ces espaces.
L’art apporte du plaisir, du bien-être… et souvent, un vrai boost de créativité pour les équipes.

Et cerise sur le gâteau : c’est aussi avantageux sur le plan fiscal.
une entreprise qui achète une œuvre originale d’un artiste vivant pour l’exposer au public peut déduire le prix d’acquisition de son résultat imposable.
À une condition : que l’œuvre soit visible gratuitement pendant au moins cinq ans, dans un lieu accessible au public ou aux salariés.
Autrement dit, c’est bon pour la culture, pour les collaborateurs, pour l’image… et pour les finances !

3. Avez-vous observé une évolution dans la manière dont les collaborateurs et les visiteurs perçoivent l’art au bureau ?

Oui, l’art est de plus en plus perçu comme un élément stratégique et non décoratif. Les collaborateurs apprécient les initiatives qui enrichissent leur quotidien et les visiteurs s’attendent à des espaces qui reflètent la créativité et l’identité de l’entreprise.

De plus, dans un cadre de travail, les cerveaux s’activent, calculent, organisent ; devant une œuvre d’art, ce sont les cœurs qui s’éveillent et les émotions qui parlent. Je pense que les collaborateurs et visiteurs ne peuvent qu’être sensibles à cette proposition qui peut peut-être toucher un peu leur âme.

Je vois de plus en plus d’intérêt dans les entreprises et professions libérales (cabinets d’avocats, médecins…). Certains des patrons sont déjà personnellement attirés par l’art quelquefois déjà collectionneurs. Ils aiment s’entourer d’art et cela dépasse la sphère privé pour s’étendre au domaine pro.

Collaboration with Parella

1. You are starting a collaboration with Parella on an artistic integration project. What appeals to you about this approach?

I was fortunate that Parella asked me to assist them with their art curation services for businesses. Their ability to create immersive and personalized experiences resonates perfectly with my vision: a project where art and architecture come together to transform space.

2. How do you see the complementarity between your expertise and that of Parella?

LDG Art & Patrimoine provides the artistic selection and knowledge of artists, while Parella masters the spatial experience and technical integration. Together, we can create coherent and impactful projects.

 3. In your opinion, what does a well-thought-out artistic approach bring to a real estate or development project?

It enriches the space, creates an emotional connection, enhances the company's image, and offers users a unique experience that goes beyond pure functionality.

Artistic photo with a circular artwork
© LdG Art & Heritage
Photo of a fabric artwork
© LdG Art & Heritage

Trends & future of art in business

1. What major trends do you see emerging today in the integration of art into workspaces?

Immersive, interactive, or modular art that encourages participation and reflection; sustainable and responsible art; and collaborations with emerging artists to make each space unique.

2. How do you imagine the office of tomorrow in terms of artistic experience
?

As a flexible and lively place, where art evolves with usage, stimulates creativity and encounters, and becomes an integral part of the company's identity.

3. Finally, if you had to give one piece of advice to a company wishing to embark on an art curation project, what would it be ?

Take the time to understand your identity and that of your employees, then choose works that create a real dialogue with the space and the people who live in it. I can support them in their approach, from the choice of works to installation and communication.

Final question

If your gallery were a work of art, which one would it be?

I have a particular fondness for Alberto Giacometti's work "The Walking Man." With its elongated, frail, and almost fragile form, it evokes deep emotions related to the human condition. We perceive both the vulnerability, loneliness, and fragility of man, but also his silent strength and perseverance. Despite its apparent fragility, the sculpture exudes a subtle power: the man continues to move forward, reflecting resilience and courage in the face of adversity. This duality between fragility and determination creates an emotion that is both melancholic and inspiring, inviting contemplation and reflection on existence. An optimistic and meaningful work that has left its mark on art history.
It is also an immersive work that can be walked around, a sculpture that can be touched.

The founder with one of her works
© LdG Art & Heritage

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