Workspace Expo 2026

Posted on April 2, 2026April 10, 2026 by clemencecasalta

Workspace Expo 2026

The Workspace Expo, a true European hub for design and office furnishings, once again delivered on all its promises 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 outline the blueprint for the office of the future. In a context where the relationship with work is constantly evolving, this edition highlighted concrete solutions that combine collective performance, individual well-being, and an increasingly refined aesthetic.

April 2, 2026

As they do every year, the Parella teams attended the event to explore these new frontiers in the commercial real estate sector. Our presence is essential to deciphering the transformations underway, picking up on emerging trends, and testing the innovations that will fuel our future projects. Fully immersed in the latest trends, we have refined our vision for sustainable solutions and collaborative technologies, with a clear goal: to continue guiding our clients toward workspaces that are no longer just places to pass through, but true destinations with high added value.

Michael Kaplan

Associate

One thing is clear to us: we need to rewrite the history of the office.

What employees are looking for in the office is becoming increasingly clear: learning, connecting, and creating together.

1. AI reshapes work; the office fosters community
AI automates, accelerates, and handles certain tasks. However, what it cannot do is foster community. The office remains the place where intelligence is built collaboratively, where knowledge is shared through physical presence, and where social connections cannot be delegated to a tool.

2. The learning space: a central focus
If the office is to foster learning, it must create the right conditions for it. In an environment where demands are constant and the flow of information is continuous, staying focused has become a challenge in itself. Acoustics, soundproof booths, quiet spaces, and air quality: these factors, prominently featured at the trade show, are what make it possible to transform the office into a place where people can truly learn.

3. A space where everyone finds their place
Disability, mental load, sensory sensitivities, 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. That’s a significant number of employees for whom 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 capable of doing their work.

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

For Parella, these insights directly inform our recommendations.

What we have observed raises the questions we ask ourselves in every project: Is this space designed for learning, gathering, and growth?

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

We look forward to writing this new chapter in our office’s history together with you.

Driving change

Posted on April 2, 2026April 10, 2026 by clemencecasalta

Driving change through a more inclusive sector.

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

To mark 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.

April 2, 2026

I’ll be honest: until recently, I hadn’t really stopped to think about the importance of WIC Week. Perhaps, like many others, I thought things were gradually improving. However, the more I thought about it, the more I got the impression that progress was stalling and that, in some areas, we were even seeing a setback.

In our sector, leadership positions remain skewed, with women holding only 7% of executive and board positions. 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 has to change. Not only because equality is a matter of principle, but also because the sector is facing a significant shortage of skilled labor that cannot be resolved as long as 50% of the population remains underrepresented.

30 Years in Retrospect (A Personal Perspective)

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

Throughout my career, I have often (though not always) been the only woman in the room. And yet, I felt just like everyone else. I felt like I belonged. Today, I realize how lucky—and privileged—I am because of that. The question I ask myself, therefore, is this: “If it seemed so simple three decades ago, why does the construction sector still have the lowest rate of female participation of any British industry today?”

A 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 underrepresentation of women in German manual trades.

But the situation in the United Kingdom raises other issues. 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 the skilled trades.

Is the highly regulated and formalized learning process in Germany part of the problem there? And is there a similar situation in the United Kingdom because the culture in the construction industry has evolved more slowly than that of the liberal professions?

Future prospects…

Faye Allen’s work, titled *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 continue to face—whether it be a lack of facilities on construction sites or hostile microcultures—and proposes ways to improve the situation.

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

At Agility, we are committed to being part of this change. Currently, women and men hold 40% and 60% of our leadership positions, respectively, 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.

Neurodiversity in Design

Posted on April 2, 2026April 10, 2026 by clemencecasalta

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

For years, workplace design has focused on collaboration, culture, and experience. More recently, the focus has shifted to well-being, flexibility, and freedom of choice. However, one of the most important debates regarding the built environment is only just beginning to gain traction: neurodiversity. Andrew Zacharias, Country Manager at Agilité Luxembourg, explores this topic in greater detail.

April 2, 2026

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

Workstation | Workspace Design Show 2026

Rethinking the Office: Why Is Neurodiversity So Important Today?

This last point is important, as neurodiversity in the field of design is often presented as if it were a niche issue, or a topic that affects only a well-defined minority group. In practice, this frame of reference can be part of the problem. It makes the topic seem too specialized even before people have 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 about designing for people as they really are: different from one another, different from one task to another, and often different from one day to the next.

Create work environments that reflect the way people actually work

Traditionally, offices have been designed according to a single model, but many of the features now associated with neuro-inclusive design—such as quieter zones, clearer spatial cues, improved acoustics, and a greater variety of layouts—benefit far more than just one 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 “ready-to-use” office, and that personality, preferences, and tasks influence how people perceive a space and work within it. A 2018 research collaboration between the University of Bath, Bath Spa University, and Atkins supported this very thesis, emphasizing that different spatial and environmental qualities—particularly 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, therefore, the best place to start isn’t “How should we design for neurodivergent people?” but rather “Why have we accepted workplaces that require everyone to work under exactly the same conditions?”

Open-plan offices are a good example of this. For certain tasks and certain personalities, they can promote 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) revealed that background noise and open-plan workspaces have a negative impact on well-being at work, while views of plants and natural elements can improve it. Another 2025 study involving 971 employees working in activity-based offices found that a greater perception 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, higher work capacity, a lower risk of burnout, and fewer symptoms of insomnia.

This helps explain why the debate on neurodiversity in design is gaining greater relevance today—not in isolation, but alongside broader questions about the future of the office itself. Since the pandemic, organizations have spent a great deal of time wondering how to encourage people to return to the workplace. Generally speaking, this debate centers on collaboration, inclusivity, and community. These elements are important. But they do not constitute the complete answer.

People don’t go to the office just for the atmosphere. They go for different reasons, depending on the day. Sometimes they need to build connections. Sometimes they need to focus. Sometimes they need a sense of belonging. Sometimes they need a place that’s quieter than their home. Sometimes they need a place that’s quieter 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 break room and calling it a day. It is about recognizing that everyone perceives space differently, and that good design offers them various 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, but also a business one. The World Health Organization notes that safe and healthy work environments are more likely to minimize workplace tensions and conflicts and to improve staff retention, performance, and productivity. The CIPD also highlights the importance of neuroinclusion for well-being, performance, and retention.

This is where the issue becomes particularly interesting from a conceptual standpoint. Because, as soon as we stop viewing it as merely a complement to inclusion, it begins to shape the entire set of specifications.

From Conformity to Experience: A New Approach to Inclusive Design

Workplace Lighting | Workplace Design Expo 2026

Lighting is no longer just a matter of regulatory 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 design is not just about density and the number of employees. 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 shifted employees’ expectations regarding autonomy and concentration, it follows that the most resilient workplaces will be those that offer people more choices, greater clarity, and less unnecessary stress. This is undoubtedly beneficial for neurodivergent colleagues. But it’s also beneficial for the finance manager trying to work on numbers without interruptions, for the project team reviewing plans in a lively group, or for the person who simply arrived that morning feeling overstimulated.

This distinction is important because it allows us to stop thinking of design as something aimed at a small group of people, and instead view 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 the action, others need a quieter environment, and many of us shift from one state to another depending on the day and the task at hand.

One of the challenges for clients is that neuroinclusive design is ahead of the market in some respects. The intention is there, but the data is only just beginning to emerge. Compared to sustainability, where benchmarks and additional costs are better understood, neurodiversity in design can still feel like venturing into uncharted territory. Clients understand the logic, but it is more difficult to quantify the return on investment in the same way when the results are human, behavioral, and long-term.

That is why this debate is so important to us today. We are working on a large-scale project in Luxembourg, where neurodiversity is not an afterthought but a fundamental design principle. This alone changes the nature of the questions we ask—and rightly so. It’s not about “What does a standard office look like?” but rather “What kind of environment helps more people perform at their best?” It’s not about “What’s the bare minimum we need to provide?” but rather “How do we design a workplace that is intuitive, supportive, and accessible to as many people as possible?”

"In fact, this is an issue that I believe is particularly relevant to the future of work, since, in reality, the office is no longer competing solely with other offices, but also with the home, autonomy, comfort, and people’s growing willingness to say—and quite rightly so—‘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.

Parella Paris appoints a new partner

Posted on January 19, 2026April 10, 2026 by paul

Parella Paris appoints a new partner

Parella, a leading player in the field of business consulting for real estate and professional space design, announces the appointment of Younes Alla as a partner in its Paris office.

January 19, 2026

"At Parella, our partnership model is based on high standards, long-term commitment, and a firm belief that the most satisfying careers are built over time. We are delighted to see talented individuals such as Younes Alla grow, expand their scope of responsibility, and become partners in 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 experiences and fuel our capacity for innovation. It is this harmonious coexistence of continuity and openness that makes our collective so strong and unique," says Olivier Neuman, president of Parella.

Younes Alla

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

His mastery of technical, strategic, and architectural aspects, combined with a global vision of the project, have enabled him to establish himself as a reference in project management as a general contractor (design and construction), construction manager, and construction management assistant. His high standards, sense of teamwork, and ability to ensure the safety of client projects across all sectors make him a natural partner to support the development and excellence of the Workspace division.

WHY SOME STORES RETAIN CUSTOMERS

Posted on January 15, 2026April 10, 2026 by paul

Why retailers design stores that customers want to stay in

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

January 15, 2026

While the convenience of e-commerce prevails in terms of speed, brick-and-mortar retail wins the battle of the customer experience, since today the most successful stores are not the fastest or those with the highest transaction volumes, but rather those where customers choose to stay.

The time spent in a store has long been associated with conversion in terms of sales, but now its role extends to measuring emotional connection, brand recall, and sensory satisfaction. In fact, when customers stay longer, they explore more, engage more deeply, and, most importantly, want to return.

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 provide them with emotions.

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 that feeling?

Materiality and atmosphere: natural finishes, warm lighting, and soft acoustics give the impression that the spaces have been carefully designed, rather than built for commercial purposes.
Breaks: moments to sit down and breathe or take a stroll through the store, encouraging customers to wander leisurely and admire the carefully arranged displays.

Sensory balance: aromas (even outside the store), touch, quiet areas, and visual clarity can help counteract digital overload.
Telling a story through space: brands that express their identity through materials, layout, and product presentation create environments that feel meaningful rather than generic.
Influence of the hospitality industry: from attentive service to comfortable spaces to relax in, the retail sector draws much of its inspiration from the hospitality industry.

Of course, the showroom is not only a challenge in terms of design, but also in terms of delivery, and commercial designs must meet higher standards in terms of finish, durability, and consistency to ensure that the environment remains welcoming long after opening day.

Every detail contributes to the emotional atmosphere of the store, so spaces that provide a sense of well-being are ideal candidates for integration into shoppers' daily habits and weekend rituals. So much so that it could be said that time spent in the store is no longer about retaining customers, but about earning a place in their lives.

This topic is addressed 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."

OFFICES DESIGNED TO PROMOTE WELL-BEING

Posted on January 12, 2026April 10, 2026 by paul

OFFICES DESIGNED TO PROMOTE WELL-BEING

Hybrid work has transformed offices across Europe.

January 12, 2026

Most organizations now accept the fact 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 about keeping employees on the premises longer, but about understanding why they stay there.

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 perform tasks that they cannot do as effectively at home, such as collaboration, socializing, team building, and intense concentration without domestic distractions.

Time spent at the office reveals when these needs are being met. For example, if coworkers arrive for a meeting and leave immediately, the workplace does not seem to be suitable for ongoing engagement. If people stay 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 purpose.

What motivates people to stay in modern workplaces?

In summary, it is a combination of environmental, emotional, and social factors, which may include:

Analog balance: tactile and sensory materials that compensate for intensive screen work take the form of natural textures, soft surfaces, and even biophilic moments.
Microhospitality: coffee areas should not be an afterthought, but rather a place that encourages conversation and relaxation. Careful consideration should also be given to the types of seating, as comfort can make the difference between staying or leaving.

Flexible areas: relaxation spaces, quiet corners, reading areas, creative spaces, and project rooms that can be adapted 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.
Microhospitality: coffee areas should not be an afterthought, but rather a place that encourages conversation and relaxation. Careful consideration should also be given to the types of seating, as comfort can make the difference between staying or leaving.

Well-being at work has gone from being a simple perk to becoming a goal in itself, as neuroscience and environmental psychology constantly highlight 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 stay there and will not want to return day after day.

Even the best workplace strategy can fail if its implementation is mediocre. 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 topic is addressed 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."

THE TIME SPENT IN COMMERCIAL INTERIORS

Posted on January 8, 2026April 10, 2026 by paul

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

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

January 8, 2026

However, in recent years, dwell time has evolved into something much more powerful: a measure of emotional connection, comfort, and a sense of belonging.

Over the last decade, environments have been optimized for speed. Smooth digital journeys, one-click transactions, agile workplaces. However, human behavior has changed, and both consumers and coworkers are now looking for spaces that allow them to slow down and, at the same time, offer them a respite, a tactile dimension, and a space to form authentic connections.

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

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

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

THE HEYDAY OF ANALOG SPACES

Posted on January 5, 2026April 10, 2026 by paul

The rise of analog spaces: why the future seems more human

The last decade has been marked by the acceleration of digitalization. Artificial intelligence, automation, and virtual environments are transforming the way we work, shop, and socialize, but as the world speeds up, the places people go are slowing down.

January 5, 2026

From plaster applied with a trowel to natural light, through imperfect textures, analog details become a guarantee of quality. People are tired of frictionless spaces that all look alike. They want contrast, authenticity, and tactility.

The Healthy Buildings team at Harvard points out that sensory richness is closely related to well-being, cognitive concentration, and emotional satisfaction, all of which are indicators of environments where people want to spend time. But why is analog so important today?

The answer may lie in your ability to:

Anchor people in reality.
Offer a sensory contrast to life spent in front of screens.
Reduce cognitive fatigue.
Encourage presence and pause.
Create emotional memories.

In retail, this often translates into minimalism and honesty in materials, while workplaces feature warm, comforting finishes, soft acoustics, and nature-inspired design. In the hotel sector, this has long been the norm. However, the common theme is that, in 2026, analog is not nostalgic, but necessary.

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

ART IN THE OFFICE

Posted on December 16, 2025April 10, 2026 by paul

Art in the Office: When Art Brings Life to Spaces

“An adventure in which every project becomes an encounter… and in which beauty is always the common thread.”

December 16, 2025

TRAJECTORY AND VISION

1. Could you tell us about your career and what led you to found the LDG Art & Patrimoine gallery?

I’ve always been fascinated by the way art can transform a place… and the people who visit it.

After studying art history and specializing in the art market at the École du Louvre, I was fortunate enough to have wonderful experiences in Rome and Paris, working in galleries, on curatorial projects, and, above all, through encounters with incredibly talented young artists.

One day I asked myself: What if we reimagined the way we experience a work of art?
Not just hanging it on a white wall. But a true dialogue: between the artwork, 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 custom projects for both businesses and individuals.

An adventure in which every project becomes an encounter… and in which beauty is always the common thread.

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

Architecture creates the framework… and art is its soul.

I envisioned my first exhibitions in Rome, a city where every stone and every facade tells a story. There, heritage and architecture are not merely a backdrop; they become a source of inspiration, a true showcase for contemporary art.

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

I have been fortunate enough to exhibit artists’ work in a wide variety of venues, ranging from private, intimate spaces to corporate offices.

But in every case, the idea is the same: to bring beauty to the places where we spend most of our time.
Because a place can be functional, yes… but when art is woven into it, it comes to life. And it often surprises us. It fills us with wonder.

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

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

Artistic strategy

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

Art enhances workspaces. From an aesthetic point of view, art allows spaces to be enhanced, creating a unique atmosphere and bringing 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 is not just a matter of "filling a wall," but of 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 dialogue with the architecture, the history of the place, and the DNA of the company. But it is also necessary for the artist to have a sincere approach and for their proposal to open up a space for reflection or emotion for those who live or work in that place.

Art, architecture, and identity of places

1. Your approach is closely linked to the architecture and history of places. How does this influence your work as a curator?

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

2. How do you get a work to dialogue with a company's identity, its DNA, or its architectural concept?

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

3. Do you have any specific examples of a project in which art has truly transformed the perception of a space?

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

CSR, commitment, and employee experience

1. Can art be a lever for strengthening corporate culture and creating bonds between employees?

Of course.
Art is, above all, a means of creating bonds between people.
It is a vector for encounters, exchanges, and conversations that might never have taken place otherwise.

When a company integrates art into its spaces, it offers its employees, customers, partners, and others a unique opportunity: to exchange opinions in a different way, to step outside the hierarchical framework, to talk about things other than figures or files.

Because art is a universal language.
It opens up dialogue, stimulates creativity, and promotes inclusion.
A work of art becomes a meeting point, a topic of conversation, a source of shared inspiration.
And then there is the encounter with the artists.
Exchanges, visits to workshops, mediation tools... all of this makes art accessible, even to those who consider themselves "uninitiated."
We no longer settle for just looking at a work: we discover its technique, its process, its intention.

And that's where the magic happens.
Because that shared moment, between emotion and curiosity, touches something deeply human.
When faced with art, we feel alive.

2. How can companies reconcile artistic patronage, social responsibility, and the appeal of their spaces?

Well, it all starts with meaning.
By supporting emerging or local artists, integrating sustainable and eco-friendly works, or simply making their spaces more pleasant and inspiring for everyone.
And then, nothing can replace meeting in person: I often encourage companies to go and see the artists, to visit their studios. Because that's where the connection is born, the mutual understanding and, ultimately, the pride in being associated with an artistic initiative.

Art is much more than a decorative object.
It's a way of expressing what the company is, its values, its worldview.
It is a responsible investment that demonstrates an open mindset and clearly sets you apart from your competitors.
When we enter a place where there is art, we immediately feel an identity, an atmosphere, an extra touch of soul.

And what's more, there is a real social mission behind it all.
Exhibiting works of art means participating in the democratization of culture, encouraging creativity, and offering emotions to those who live or work in these spaces.
Art brings pleasure, well-being... and often a real boost of creativity for teams.

And best of all: it's also tax-efficient.
A company that purchases an original work by a living artist to display to the public can deduct the purchase price from its taxable income.
There is one condition: the work must be visible free of charge for at least five years, in a place accessible to the public or employees.
In other words, it's good for culture, for employees, for image... and for finances!

3. Have you noticed any changes in the way employees and visitors perceive art in the office?

Yes, art is increasingly perceived as a strategic element rather than a decorative one. Employees appreciate initiatives that enrich their daily lives, and visitors expect to find spaces that reflect the creativity and identity of the company.

Furthermore, in a work environment, brains activate, calculate, and organize; when faced with a work of art, it is the heart that awakens and emotions that speak. I believe that employees and visitors cannot help but be sensitive to this proposal, which may touch their souls a little.

I see increasing interest in companies and liberal professions (law firms, doctors, etc.). Some of the bosses are already personally attracted to art and, in some cases, are collectors. They like to surround themselves with art, and this transcends the private sphere to extend into the professional sphere.

Collaboration with Parella

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

I was fortunate that Parella called me to accompany them in their art curation offer for companies. Their ability to create immersive and personalized experiences fits perfectly with my vision: a project in which art and architecture come together to transform space.

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

LDG Art & Patrimoine provides the artistic selection and knowledge of the 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 urban planning project?

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

Trends and 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 invites 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 the future in terms ofartisticexperience
?

As a flexible and lively place, where art evolves with its uses, 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, and then choose works that create a real dialogue with the space and the people who inhabit it. I can accompany you in your approach, from the choice of works to installation and communication.

Final question

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

I have a special fondness for Alberto Giacometti's work "The Walking Man." With its elongated, fragile, and almost delicate form, it evokes deep emotions related to the human condition. It conveys the vulnerability, loneliness, and fragility of man, but also his silent strength and perseverance. Despite its apparent fragility, the sculpture exudes a subtle strength: 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 marked the history of art.
It is also an immersive work that can be surrounded, a sculpture that can be touched.

Category: Blog