"L'esprit Des Lieux" Project: Formica Group at Mayrit Biennial 2024

"L'esprit Des Lieux" Project: Formica Group at Mayrit Biennial 2024

In February 2024, as part of the Madrid Design and Architecture Biennial (MAYRIT), Formica Group, in collaboration with the Institut Français, launched an open call for French artists and designers to develop an artistic residency at LABoral Centro de Arte y Creación Industrial in Gijón, Spain.

Project Mayrit 825x550

The outcome of this collaboration is being exhibited during the month of June in the "Mañano" exhibition, curated by Cecilia Than and Futurity Systems, as part of the Mayrit Biennial 2024 program.

Petit Muller, a design studio based in Bilbao, was the winner of this artistic residency with their project "L'esprit Des Lieux," which combines technology, lighting, and materials. With guidance from their collaborators at the Lumina Project on technological aspects and support from the technical team at Formica Group and LABoral, this incredible initiative has become a reality.

L'esprit Des Lieux

What if spaces had feelings? "L'esprit Des Lieux" is a behavioural lighting installation designed to forge a deeper connection with our environment. This gentle and sparkling presence is tasked with accompanying and adapting to the needs of the people inhabiting the spaces, offering light that evolves based on environmental conditions and the time of day.

The work of "L'esprit Des Lieux" thrives on the affection and joy of those who inhabit these spaces. Thus, when the lighting installation is caressed or when people smile at it, it can fulfil its purpose: creating a warm atmosphere that embraces its occupants.


This project aims to create a sensitive machine that fosters a harmonious use of technology through touch, putting it at the service of empathy, listening, and love.

The result of this collaboration is being exhibited during the month of June in the "Mañano" exhibition, curated by Cecilia Than and Futurity Systems, as part of the Mayrit Biennial 2024 program at Central de Diseño de Matadero (Madrid). The entire exhibition design was created by the DavideDavid studio, using exclusively Formica Laminates and Homapal® Metals, through a design of CASITAS that interact with each other throughout the space.

When: 22 May- 23 June; Tues- Fri 16.00-21.00h & Sat- Sun 11.00-21.00h

Where: Matadero, P.º de la Chopera, 14, Arganzuela, 28045 Madrid

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