We follow architect Maxime d’Anjac on the Orient Express. Responsible for the installation and design of the original carriages that will soon carry new passengers, he tells us how this legendary train is brought to life.
“He’s not on track yet. The first converted cars of the Orient Express, the dream train, a true legend, will be on display until 2024 during the Olympic Games. However, until then, the Orient Express reveals itself a little, revealing its new equipment and decorations, which are clearly depicted in the spirit of the beginning and especially of the 1920s, a period during which famous decorative artists such as René Prue or René. Lalique has been working since 1883 to make this rolling gem connecting Paris to Istanbul (the connections will change slightly according to history) absolutely fabulous. Thus, on the occasion of Contemporary Art Week in Paris, Orient Express, a brand of the Accor Group, presents its future train design through models and 3D images exclusively at Domus Maubourg on October 20 and 21. A visit by reservation that will satisfy all lovers of extraordinary trips. And wait, the architect Maxime D’Anjac, revealed by his collaboration with the houses Daum and Hermès, who has carried out prestigious restoration and decoration projects for 20 years and who is on a mission to write an unprecedented chapter in history. this train offers a tour with sumptuous 3D images.
The starting point
“I wanted to recapture the spirit of the 1920s, a period in which René Prus and René Lalique developed the perfection of detail and precision manufacturing in the Orient Express. It was central because our work fits into the original ‘stones’, the wagons. That’s why I started working only with Indian ink, pencil drawing, vernier calipers… like René Proux and René Lalique had done. This is an approach that no longer exists because it is very expensive and time-consuming, requiring extreme precision, and every mistake involves starting all over again. However, in the first phase of the design I wanted to exclude 3D and the Accor group, my client, agreed to let me work this way, understanding that it was important to design a coherent project. That was very ambitious of him and lucky for me. In the 1920s, the Orient Express was an embassy of French taste, and I too aspired to fit into this framework while injecting my own style. If I have studied the archives a lot, if the references to Art Deco are clearly unavoidable, I did not want to offer a plagiarism, a pale copy of what was there. So I thought of a train that integrates history but also fits into today’s world. »
Suites
“Initially on the Orient Express, the shower cubicle was placed between the two bedrooms and was therefore shared. Today this was no longer possible. Therefore, we have completely revolutionized the suite programs to meet modern standards. While there were then ten compartments per car, now there are only three. This is how we were able to install a very modern bathroom core in each room, with a shower, a 70 cm long sink, large toilets separated from the dressing room. This required a complete overhaul of the circulation. We have also respected the original wish of Georges Nagelmachers, the creator of the Orient Express, who wanted a “great transformation” between day and night, i.e. a daytime installation with a sofa and table, and another in the evening with bunk beds. We have respected this idea, which allows you to comfortably enjoy every moment. Obviously, all the equipment is specially designed and adapted to life on the train, with rounded edges everywhere to avoid injury if you bump into the furniture. Another important element. the landscape passing by while traveling by train is a moving picture, so it had to be emphasized with window frames that ennoble it and which, at the same time, facilitate the circulation of light. All this is thought out in a luxurious spirit. The chosen materials, which respect the historical vocabulary of the train, are as precious as wood and leather. The custom-made rugs take the pattern of René’s daughter, Suzanne Lalique, who worked with René Proux on the Orient Express sets for the Haviland factory. In the suites, as in other areas, there are original elements of the train of time, such as carved Lalique panels. Indeed, we were lucky enough to have access to all the surviving heritage of the Orient Express and made sure to use it. »
Good car
“The bar car is inspired by the first bar on the Orient Express in 1883. We designed it in a very Parisian spirit of the late 19th century. It contrasts slightly with the rest of the train, without a break. There are many fine details: carpets, capital letters, clocks on all tables, clicking to order champagne directly… There is also a music hall with a real piano so that musicians can sit down to play. traveling and going to concerts. In this bar, as elsewhere, everything has been carefully considered because we had historical constraints, but also space. We wanted, as I said, to avoid plagiarism by respecting certain links. So I would say this bar is a reinvention from my imaginations and imbued with my style. »
The lunch car
“The car of the restaurant is extremely important. We go there three times a day. We’ve chosen to take Suzanne Lalique’s rail pattern once again in this space, but this time we’ve worked it into the walls. We embossed this pattern using an extremely sophisticated technique from stone paper. That’s why we turned to Atelier d’Offard. The result is magnificent! Another notable feature are the two glass partitions that separate the dining room from the kitchen and a small private dining area. The construction of these partitions was entrusted to Emmanuel Barrois. He also designed the domes of the bar. These artisans are essential to the revival of the Orient Express. This project would not have been possible without their expertise. Many workshops work with us. I just mentioned L’Atelier d’Offard and Emmanuel Barrois, but there are also the glazier Bernard Picte, the master sculptor Etienne Raissac, the upholsterer Joffre, Jean Brie Atelier for wood embroidery, Atelier Juillet for rugs or even Meljac. switches in the spirit of the 1920s while incorporating modern technology… Of course, this list is not exhaustive. Because the Orient Express is also a tribute to French know-how. »
Corridors
“They were the object of all our attention. We wanted to bring volume and softness to these circulation spaces. That’s why we’ve worked on a vaulted ceiling that rises and falls without you even realizing it. This creates a very nice false perspective. We also installed curtains for a sense of intimacy. And of course, there’s a stainless steel bar along the windows that lets you lean on your elbows to take in the landscape. On the floor are carpets made by Atelier February. We were lucky enough to recover the flower lamps from Lalique. They line the aisles. But since the light was not pleasant at the time, they were reworked to provide better lighting. Every detail is thought of in this spirit of beauty and functionality. So the door handles are designed so that bags don’t get caught on them. Such a project deserves nothing to be ignored. »
Orient Express Revelation, Domus Maubourg, 29, boulevard de La Tour Maubourg, 75007 Paris. Reservation required orient-express.com/revelation
Source: Le Figaro
