Pullman Tour Eiffel just opened with the second sample of Mathieu Lehanneur’s “Business Playground” concept: reinvention of the meeting room as a perfect illustration of the “blurring” of private and professional life. This room reflects the brand’s “Work hard, Play hard” motto as well as its guests’ lifestyle. It combines performance and pleasure with a fresh take on the traditional aspects of a meeting: a meeting table designed like a poker table, a private area for informal conversations or breaks, and a cabinet of curiosities. All these features are designed to stimulate creativity and reinvent international hospitality codes. After the success of first Playground at Pullman London St Pancras, the concept is gradually rolled out across the 80 Pullman’s hotels network.
“Poker Table” The table is a key element in a small gathering like a board meeting. In the “Business Playground” room, the central table is given an additional dimension. Mathieu Lehanneur has reinterpreted it as a poker table which notably features a leather edge. This table is designed to make people want to participate in the meeting, just as they would want to engage in a game, they want to take part, be a player and stay constantly focused.
“Canopy Break” During a meeting day, it is important to have relaxing moments and less formal exchanges between the intensive work sessions. To allow participants to escape or opt for a different meeting setting, a dedicated bubble-like space has been created. The Pullman “Canopy Break”, allows participants to relax comfortably and take an organic break or have an informal conversation.
Mathieu Lehanneur explains: “Between two meetings, the Pullman “Canopy Break” provides an escape route that is both organic and digital. Designed to offer a pause but also as an informal extension of the meeting, the Pullman “Canopy Break” is somewhere else, outside, under the trees.”. At last, an object for imaginary travel, but also for growth strategy, Mathieu Lehanneur has designed a giant globe. The entirely white “Earth Ball,” revealing countries and continents through its simple relief, seems in equilibrium, ready to roll at any moment. Through this object/sculpture, the “Work hard, Play Hard” motto is embodied here more than ever. Pullman has furthermore made it an iconic object by placing it in each of its lobbies worldwide.
Business playground for Pullman Tour Eiffel, by Mathieu Lehanneur
Photography by Felipe Ribon