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The words 'cosmos' and 'matter' evoke seemingly contrasting ideas: the boundless expanse of the universe versus the tangible, immediate materials that make up our world. When brought together, these terms invite a deeper reflection on how the vastness of existence can connect with the intimate spaces we inhabit. This interplay forms the heart of Cosmos and Matter, an avant-garde exhibition in Paris, France, presented by the Sustainable Design Association. Founded in 2021, the association aims to promote innovative and sustainable design practices. This first iteration of the design exhibition on view from November 7, 2024 – February 16, 2025, invites visitors to rethink how we engage with interiors and the materials that define them.
At its core, the showcase aims to bridge sustainability with design, urging us to explore how the relationship between our physical surroundings and natural cycles can transform daily living. It challenges traditional perceptions of luxury and functionality, presenting a new aesthetic rooted in reconnection, ecological balance and harmony. Through ten distinct scenes, ranging from immersive soundscapes to tactile installations, it unfolds as a sensory journey that fosters reflection on our relationship with the environments we create and inhabit.
Cosmos and Matter reveals a dynamic interplay of materials and forms designed to provoke thought and inspire change. Set within a 249.90 sqm Haussmann apartment in central Paris, the exhibition space juxtaposes classical architectural details with contemporary designs. Elements such as reclaimed wood and earth-derived pigments sit alongside cutting-edge materials such as vegetable leathers made from dehydrated fruits and vegetables. This curated selection highlights the potential of design to honour tradition while embracing sustainable innovation, crafting an environment where natural cycles and human creativity converge symbiotically.
The exhibition invites visitors to delve into an exploration of design and environmental consciousness. "This place is more than a showroom or a gallery. It is a space where a new aesthetic of luxury is expressed through reconnection, sustainability and harmony," says Marie-Cassandre Bultheel, co-founder of Cosmos and Matter. Notable areas within the apartment include the Moon Lounge, the Table of the Living, a Sun Lounge, Botanic Bar and a cosmic soundscape room, demonstrating how design can bridge the practical and the poetic. The Moon Lounge offers a meditative space bathed in soft light, fostering introspection and calm. Meanwhile, the table design here celebrates communal experiences, featuring elements crafted from natural materials that honour the cycles of life and renewal.
The materials featured reflect the exhibition's philosophy of gentle chemistry—a method that minimises ecological harm while highlighting responsible material use. Each piece is selected not only for its aesthetic value but also for its low environmental impact. This approach underscores a commitment to reducing toxicity in interiors and embracing waste as a resource, a theme woven throughout the narrative of Cosmos and Matter.
The curated selection of works brings together designers, artisans and artists who emphasise the interplay of tradition and modernity. Among the contributors are Alyssa Jos, Anna-Alexandra, Atelier Musset and Shira Bio. These creators draw from ancestral knowledge and innovation, offering a collection that merges functionality with aesthetic depth. Their contributions challenge visitors to reflect on how the objects in their homes affect their physical and emotional landscapes.
Marie-Cassandre Bultheel and Hélène Aguilar, the creative forces behind Cosmos and Matter, bring a wealth of expertise to the project. Bultheel, an artistic director and curator, focuses on creating 'urban sanctuaries' that foster conscious living. Aguilar, a futurist and curator, specialises in sustainable materials and innovative design solutions. Together, they co-founded the Biennale Amour Vivant, a platform dedicated to promoting life-affirming practices in art and design. Through this exhibition, they aim to cultivate a new 'art de vivre' that harmonises ancestral wisdom with forward-thinking approaches.
"Inhabiting one's space is more complex than a simple relationship with matter; it is a sensitive and precious relationship with the earth and the cosmos," Bultheel explains. This sentiment is reflected in the project's design choices, which highlight the alchemy between traditional craftsmanship and modern sensibilities. The apartment's barefoot policy, for instance, emphasises a direct, sensory engagement with the space, an invitation to connect more deeply with one's surroundings.
Looking ahead, Cosmos and Matter intends to expand its reach beyond Paris. Starting in 2025, the project plans to create similar ephemeral spaces in other cities worldwide, continuing its mission to inspire sustainable practices and a renewed perspective on design. The initiative aims to deepen global conversations about the art of living, by bringing its philosophy to diverse cultural contexts.
Cosmos and Matter transcends the boundaries of a traditional exhibition, serving as a call to action. It urges individuals to consider how their choices impact both their immediate environments and the planet. By uniting the cosmic and the material, it offers a vision of interiors that prioritise connection, sustainability and harmony, a timely reminder of our shared responsibility to care for the spaces we inhabit.
'Cosmos and Matter' is on view from November 7, 2024 – February 16, 2025, set within a Haussmann apartment in central Paris, France.
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