EARTHBAY has been shortlisted for Cabin Design – Concept Award in The International Yacht & Aviation Awards 2020. Read more about Founder, Florian Barjot, below:
Name: FLORIAN BARJOT
Company: EARTHBAY
Position within company: FOUNDER
Website: www.earth-bay.com
Tell us a little about your background in design
I have an engineering background: mechanics and aerodynamics. I started to work in 2005 on the Airbus aircrafts structures for the A400M and the A350: gear doors and fuselage. These have been 8 fabulous years where I sharpened my sense of analysis in order to find the best design compromise and to balance with sizing, weight, cost, production, assembly and even the potential repairs!
Since 2015, I worked on the aircraft maintenance programmes, which gave me a real depth to my engineering experience, because I faced the “operational reality”. Every designer should stay humble: the user dictates the need, not the engineer!
Mid-2019, I unveiled the EarthBay concept of a large window structure replacing a cargo door that unleashes the optimization opportunities for a widebody aircraft.
How would you describe your personal design style?
I’m a Dreamgineer, always having new ideas, but with enough background to self-criticize them. Also, I noticed that I tackle the subjects in a reversed way compared to majority of the people, thus I feel I think “out of the box”.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
From a need, a question, a challenge. There is always a solution, or at least a compromise or an improvement.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
From some aspects, I think technology is bringing us to far away from our values and the virtual becomes a threat to our experience of life, the term “fake” is now very common and we have to add “real” for a friend. This is inevitable.
I believe that design must reconnect us to the genuine experience of life and to consider our five senses, not only the eye and the screen.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2020 and beyond.
Simple – Evident – Genuine – Sustainable – Lifetime
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
Mentally project how it will be used to make it user friendly. Try not to forget any case! For example, in aeronautics, we consider “fail safe” or “damage tolerant” designs.
How important are The International Yacht & Aviation Awards?
It’s an excellent way to submit new ideas, especially thanks to its unique voting system. It’s important to gather the feedback and the interest from the industry, especially for disruptive concepts.
What projects are you currently working on?
An evolution of the EarthBay for the main deck.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
On one hand, to finalize a partnership with an OEM or an MRO, and on another hand, to convince an early adopter and investors to start this fabulous project.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:
Your most treasured possession?
My house as I consider it as my children’s shelter.
Your favourite holiday destination?
US national parks (in California and Nevada)
Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?
LUX Saint Gilles hotel, at the Ile de la Réunion, Indian ocean
Your favourite book, film & song?
I like Dan Brown’s books, the film Forrest Gump (so positive!), and the music composed and sang by Ruelle.
Your favourite food and drink?
French pastries
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
Napping on the sand, but that happens rarely.
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
A pilot
Anything else interesting?
I learned to fly before I learned to drive.
EARTHBAY has been shortlisted for Cabin Design – Concept Award in The International Yacht & Aviation Awards 2020.
design et al only work with the world’s leading designers.
If you think you have what it takes to complete in The International Design & Architecture Awards, submit your application by clicking here.