There was a long period when the
Paris metro’s function
determined its appearance.
Now the RATP’s design
initiatives aim at
developing the metro’s
emotional aspect. The
network is considered a
group of “transport spaces”
whose installations should
relate to those in other
public places. The station is
viewed as a living space
that should be illuminated
accordingly. The lighting
has become more subtle,
complex and architectural.
Materials are accorded
great importance, with
ceilings and walls regarded
as secondary light sources.
Besides being visually
agreeable, the lighting
enhances traditional
elements like the white,
bevelled-tile ceilings that
are particular to this
underground world. Users
spend half their time in the
metro walking through
corridors. We do not want
this to be dead time. The
graphic capacities of light
help to enliven it by using
multiple components to
create scenes that are often
playful. The progress with
the rolling stock is more
modest, but driven by the
same goals. In the future,
for example, the trains will
have indirect ceiling
lighting.
Yo Kaminagai, head of
the Design and Cultural
Projects Unit at the RATP
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