There is also a touch of Italian craftsmanship in the new French theatre, La Source Vive, opened on 24 June in Evian and host to several informal meetings during the
recent G7. The chairs, benches and leather handrails of the stunning "Conchiglia", designed by French architect
Patrick Bouchain in collaboration with the prestigious Paris-based practice
PCA-Stream (
Philippe Chiambaretta), were handcrafted by the artisans at I Grandi Maestri del Design.
International stage
US President Donald Trump, attending the French event alongside host Emmanuel Macron and fellow leaders Giorgia Meloni, Olaf Scholz, Justin Trudeau, Shigeru Ishiba, and Keir Starmer, together with EU representatives António Costa and Ursula von der Leyen, was also able to appreciate the spectacular sight of this stunning concert hall's 500 seats. A unique work of art, it was created at the wish of patron of the arts
Aline Foriel-Destezet.Full-grain leather for a living soul
Made from naturally processed full-grain leather supplied by premier Italian tanneries, every chair and bench will gradually alter its hue as it captures the light, endowing the room with a vibrant, ever-changing spirit. This refined feature elevates a striking, sustainably built venue nestled in nature next to the celebrated
La Grange au Lac theatre, also designed by Bouchain.
Innovative solutions for acoustic excellence
Working closely with the Maestro and PCA-Stream, we employed unprecedented, innovative solutions that ultimately contributed to the outstanding acoustic results. These were highly appreciated by the audience at the 24 June premiere, featuring the music of Brahms. All of this, of course, was achieved without compromising on comfort or aesthetics, true to our tradition.
Meeting such exceptionally high manufacturing standards proved an added challenge for I Grandi Maestri del Design. As the company prepares to celebrate the prestigious milestone of its thirtieth anniversary, it is further strengthening its commitment to bespoke projects dedicated to architectural practices.
Acknowledgements from Maestro Bouchain
Working side by side with an architectural genius like Bouchain was, for the team at the La Spezia-based maison, like standing shoulder to shoulder with one of the 20th-century Masters who inspired the entrepreneurial journey of company founder Giorgio Lembo. Patrick’s personal thanks served as the ultimate reward for years of painstaking, meticulous dedication in pursuit of the highest possible quality at the best value—another of the company’s guiding mantras.
