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Generator Paris
the World Of Hospitality
Generator Paris - DesignAgency
G
enerator Paris is the newest location in
Generator’s quickly expanding chain of
distinctive and eclectic urban design hostels.
Located in the 10th Arrondissement – the trendiest
Parisian neighbourhood known for its hip galleries,
shops, cafés and bars, Generator stands opposite the
prestigious French Communist Headquarters by
Oscar Niemeyer, just steps from Canal Saint-Martin
and Buttes-Chaumont Park, and a 15–minute walk
from the Gare du Nord train station.
Constructed in 1985 as an eight-storey office
block, the property was gutted and transformed by
Parisian project architect, Studios d’Architecture
Ory & Associés, with interiors by Toronto-based
DesignAgency, under the creative direction of
Anwar Mekhayech. The property follows Generator’s
universal concept of affordable and design-driven
accommodations in prime locations, with an
emphasis on a wide range of vibrant social spaces.
Accommodating up to 916 guests in a range of shared
rooms, twin rooms and penthouse rooms with private
terraces—all with private en-suite bathrooms—this is
the largest Generator property to date.
The interior design was inspired by the cinematic
experience of strolling Paris’ streets and discovering its
romantic moments, changing moods and rich colours.
To highlight these themes, Mekhayech and his team
created a series of mise-en-scènes that playfully flaunt
their simultaneous fiction and reality. The vibe is hip
and exciting, mixing the concrete/industrial backdrop
with warm materials, tactical textures, vintage finds
from Parisian flea markets, signature design elements
including those from Tolix, Jielde and Tom Dixon,
and unique pieces made by emerging industrial and
furniture designers such as Blom & Blom, Spain’s
Lobster’s Day and local artists including Romain
Guillet and You Talking to Me.
Stepping off Colonel Fabien Place into the lobby,
guests are greeted by the dramatic sparkle of a lit
marquee, suspended over a lively, Mondrian-inspired
reception desk. On the upper level, a Moroccan
infused chill-out space features custom wood pallet
Photos Courtesy Of: Nikolas Koenig
and kilim sectionals, and a typographic mural by
Dutch designer and typographic artist, Ceizer.
Channeling the vibe of Paris’ many brasserie-lined
streets, Café Fabien and its adjoining canteen open
up to a garden and solarium. A curved concrete stair
descends to the bar that conveys the impression of
a secret Parisian metro party, complete with retro
seat fabrics and curved metro tiles, terminating in
a super-graphic print of a platform by local French
photographer Ludovic Le Couster. Opening in
the spring of 2015, the roof terrace will also have a
spectacular bar with a pop-up crêpe stand and sunset
views of Montmartre and Sacré-Coeur.
According to Mekhayech, “this generator project
allowed us the opportunity to give the interiors a bold
attitude and a unique spirit, taking the guest on a
cinematic journey. Rather than connecting each space,
the design becomes more of an exploration of ideas—
both real and surreal. There is so much diversity in
Paris, that as a designer you can really do anything!”
Website: www.thedesignagency.ca