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Paul Humphries Architects

Paul Humphries Architects

Exmouth, GB

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PS-23 Hi-fi Speaker front
PS-23 Hi-fi Speaker front
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PS-23 Hi-fi speaker by Paul Humphries; the speaker installation for Paris Fashion Week inspired by mid-century design and luxury fashion

Devon-based architect and designer Paul Humphries designed a Hi-fi speaker installation for Paris Fashion Week. Commissioned by London-based creative agency Impossible Objects, the speaker forms the central part of their showroom for PMFW ‘23.

In light of the current economic and political climate in Britain, it became clear to Paul the importance of designing something to mark Impossible Object's return to Paris by celebrating the European ethos of connectivity and collaboration. To recreate this sense of collaboration, our space includes a one-off speaker designed by Architect Paul Humphries.

A repurposed pair of Wharfdale Linton 3XP hi-fi speakers have been re-designed and housed in a Devon ash timber housing ready to host a series of parties for Paris Fashion Week. The design of the speaker takes inspiration from both mid-century design brands such as Braun and the late great Dieter Rams. 

‘The speaker makes quite obvious references to mid-century design. Although, we became really interested in what a contemporary speaker would look like in 2023. That's where we took inspiration from luxury brands such as Frank Ocean's Homer and musician Damon Albarn.’ 


 
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Status: Built
Location: Paris, FR
Firm Role: Lead Designer
Additional Credits: Impossible Objects

 
PS-23 Hi-fi speaker installation (front) by Paul Humphries powered by a vintage Marantz 1050 Stereophonic Amplifier (1978-80)
PS-23 Hi-fi speaker installation (front) by Paul Humphries powered by a vintage Marantz 1050 Stereophonic Amplifier (1978-80)
PS-23 Hi-fi Speaker back
PS-23 Hi-fi Speaker back
PS-23 Hi-fi speaker installation (back) by Paul Humphries powered by a vintage Marantz 1050 Stereophonic Amplifier (1978-80)
PS-23 Hi-fi speaker installation (back) by Paul Humphries powered by a vintage Marantz 1050 Stereophonic Amplifier (1978-80)
PS-23 Hi-fi Speaker Installation by Paul Humphries
PS-23 Hi-fi Speaker Installation by Paul Humphries