By
Rebecca Gibson |
Celebrity Cruises’ new Celebrity Edge is to feature a Grand Plaza, exposed corridor and artwork installations created by Paris-based design duo Patrick Jouin and Sanjit Manku from Jouin Manku Studio.
The design duo, who previously created the Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée and the Jules Verne restaurant in the Eiffel Tower, were inspired by Jouin’s connection to the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard when planning the spaces.
“The shipyard is very important for me and my family; my grandfather worked at this very yard, and when he passed away at a young age, they hired my grandmother so she could continue to support her family,” said Jouin. “This project was a very emotional one for me. Sanjit and I channelled that into our design, which inspired our unique approach in showing the craftmanship.”
Reminiscent of the ballrooms and sweeping staircases on ships during the ‘glamourous days of transatlantic travel’, The Grand Plaza spans three decks and will transform both physically and ‘atmospherically’ throughout the day. The centrepiece will be The Chandelier, a lighting an art installation that comprises five levels of 765 blades illuminated by dynamic LED strips that change colour from day to night, which rises over the Martini Bar to the ceiling three decks above. Another highlight will be the hand-stitched mesh screens at the edges of The Grand Plaza, which combine more than 13,500 pieces of metal, leather and fabric.
The Grand Plaza will also be home to new speciality restaurants – including Raw, Fine Cut Steakhouse, Le Grand Bistro, Café al Bacio and Grand Plaza Café.
Jouin Manku has also designed various other elements of the ship. Paying homage to those who construct ships, the Jouin Manku has also created an ‘exposed corridor’ between the main dining rooms and The Grand Plaza. The corridor has been designed as a life-sized lenticular wall – one way guests will see bare hull of the ship with authentic markings from engineers, welders and architects, and the other they will see a sleek, modern design.
“When we were asked to work on The Grand Plaza, one of our biggest inspirations was the people in the shipyard who were able to manipulate steel as if it were plastic,” said Manku. “Their craftsmanship inspired us and had us asking ourselves: “How can we show the bones of the ship?” Because the bones are so beautiful, you don’t need to put a cover on them.”
Meanwhile, in the main dining atrium, Jouin Manku has developed The Pendulum, a three-storey-long art installation that hangs between the flights of stairs and has a base that moves along with the ship.
“We couldn’t be happier that the excitement and anticipation around the launch of Celebrity Edge is growing each and every day,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, president and CEO of Celebrity Cruises. “We’re thrilled to give everyone another sneak peek of our transformational new ship with the unveiling of The Grand Plaza, the ever-evolving epicentre of Celebrity Edge, and even more beautiful installations brought to life by the truly visionary Jouin Manku, who infused a dynamism and energy that will be felt throughout the ship at almost every turn.”