paf atelier builds radical environments to reconnect design with collective imagination

COLLECTIVE IMAGINATION AS THE DRIVER OF ARCHITECTURAL FORM

Founded on the principle that collective imagination is required to draw and produce new forms, Paf atelier crafts radical, human-centric environments across architecture, scenography, and immersive narrative. The practice unlocks fresh possibilities for human interaction as it bridges bold geometric expressions with deep emotional resonance. Drawing inspiration from travel, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and active dialogue beyond the traditional desk, the studio translates abstract concepts into tangible landscapes that inspire visitors to explore their surroundings with renewed curiosity and joy.

‘It is my job to dream with new aspects, materials, and collaborations. We all need dreams to continue to draw and produce new things,’  notes Paf atelier’s founder Christopher Dessus.

CONVERTing CONCEPTUAL RESEARCH INTO PHYSICAL REALIZATION

Based in Paris since 2017, Paf atelier works across spatial design, scenography, and cultural research. Founded by Christopher Dessus, the multidisciplinary practice crafts retail environments, exhibition spaces, and temporal installations that align architectural form with human emotion. Rejecting decorative excess, the studio links conceptual reflection with material experimentation to ensure every intervention carries a distinct purpose and spatial identity.

This cross-disciplinary methodology is further enriched by Dessus’s creative agency, Pli office, which collaborates with institutions and creators to unlock new creative energies across architecture, design, and art. Although many installations are temporary, Paf atelier focuses on long-term cultural relevance, pairing local production methods with emerging talents to shape evolving physical environments.

‘Emotions and form can be matched inside the spaces we design. Our work is not decoration nor the need to create just to create. We collaborate with others – creative, institutes and more – to realize new energies,’ declares Dessus. 

ALIGNING THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT WITH HUMAN EMOTION

Underpinning Paf atelier’s practice is an effort to align architectural form with human emotion, turning physical structures into immersive spatial experiences. ‘It is paradoxical to design physical structures to evoke immaterial feelings. To dream is not to simply watch though; when we dream, it means to be inside and as part of the dream. We wanted to create an atmosphere to immerse visitors to dream,’ says Christopher.

This ethos spans various project typologies, including temporary cultural interventions like ‘Cinema for Dreams’, created with designboom for Milan Design Week 2026. The Parisian studio dissolves conventional spatial limits to combine screens and seating into continuous architectural forms that fully immerse visitors. Spaces created with this focus encourage reflection and connection, allowing Paf atelier to offer quiet pauses within fast-paced urban settings and show how spatial design can foster optimism and inspire new possibilities.

project info:

studio: Paf atelier | @paf_atelier