Architectural Cases

Hermès once again pushed the boundaries of traditional watchmaking at Watches and Wonders Geneva 2026, transforming the exhibition space into a vibrant theater where time itself became a performance. Through a collaboration with visionary artist Jean-Simon Roch and acclaimed composer Pierre Ronin, the luxury brand unveiled its newest horological masterpieces in an immersive kinetic installation. This unique presentation emphasized the emotional and experiential aspects of time, moving beyond its conventional function as a measurable entity. The centerpiece of this grand display was a collection of three exquisitely crafted skeleton timepieces, each a testament to Hermès' innovative spirit and artistic craftsmanship.

Hermès' Theatrical Debut at Watches and Wonders Geneva 2026

In April 2026, at the prestigious Watches and Wonders event in Geneva, Switzerland, Hermès captivated attendees with an extraordinary kinetic scenography designed by French artist Jean-Simon Roch, complemented by a compelling soundscape from composer Pierre Ronin. Roch's installation, a dynamic wooden structure reminiscent of theater wings and animated machinery, served as the stage for Hermès' horological revelations. The design featured ropes, pulleys, and rotating elements that created a continuous, reconfiguring automaton, blurring the lines between structural integrity and artistic adornment. Miniature theatrical vitrines embedded within the structure presented the timepieces as staged spectacles.

A notable visual element was the fragmented equestrian figure, a recurring motif for Hermès, which appeared and disappeared through moving wooden panels, engraved by Gianpaolo Pagni. This interplay of concealment and revelation added a temporal dimension of suspense. Ronin's soundscape, derived from the installation's mechanical movements, further transformed the space into a grand resonant instrument, harmonizing motion and sound into a singular, immersive experience.

Amidst this artistic spectacle, Hermès introduced three groundbreaking skeleton timepieces: the Hermès H08 Squelette, the Arceau Samarcande, and the Slim d'Hermès Squelette Lune. The Hermès H08 Squelette, housed in a 39-millimeter cushion-shaped DLC-treated titanium case, featured the new H1978 S skeletonized titanium caliber, comprising 168 components and offering a 60-hour power reserve. Its design emphasized transparency and architectural layering, drawing the eye through its intricate mechanics.

The Arceau Samarcande reimagined Henri d'Origny's 1978 design, with its distinctive round case and asymmetrical stirrup-inspired lugs. This iteration showcased an Haute Horlogerie complication with a Saint-Louis crystal dial, openworked into a horse's head, revealing the H1297 skeletonized caliber beneath. The movement activated a minute repeater, its gong resonating under the horse's starry eye, housed in a 38 mm white or rose gold case. This model beautifully illustrated the transition between internal and external worlds.

Finally, the Slim d'Hermès Squelette Lune invited observers to explore the mysteries of time with its double moon phase complication, simultaneously tracking lunar cycles in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres. Each timepiece underscored Hermès' philosophy of skeletonization as both a technical feat and a visual language, where the movement's structure becomes a constantly evolving backdrop of transparency and depth.

This innovative presentation at Watches and Wonders Geneva 2026 by Hermès, in collaboration with Jean-Simon Roch and Pierre Ronin, offers a profound perspective on time. It challenges us to view time not merely as a sequence of quantifiable moments but as an intricate, dynamic medium for emotional and creative expression. The blending of horological precision with artistic performance prompts contemplation on how art and engineering can converge to enrich our understanding and experience of the world around us. This event served as a powerful reminder that true luxury lies in the ability to evoke wonder and deeper meaning.

The Pierre Hermé Paris flagship store in Singapore, conceived by CCD, masterfully blends the refined artistry of French pâtisserie with the vibrant tropical essence of its Singaporean setting. This two-story retail and dining destination is not merely a reproduction of its Parisian counterparts but a thoughtful adaptation, creating a unique spatial narrative that dialogues between European sophistication and local environmental influences. The design strategy emphasizes fluidity and sensory engagement, guiding visitors through an immersive experience where every detail, from material selection to lighting, underscores the brand's commitment to excellence and aesthetic harmony.

The interior architecture and material choices within the Pierre Hermé Paris flagship store are carefully orchestrated to enhance the customer experience, reflecting both the brand's identity and the local climate. Curved geometries dominate the layout, promoting seamless movement and allowing for dynamic displays that can evolve with seasonal offerings. This intentional flow, combined with a considered palette of natural wood, rattan, and soft tones, creates an environment that is both luxurious and inviting. The integration of sustainable practices, such as cloth-based packaging, further grounds the store in its regional context, while the hybrid dining concept on the second floor caters to a diverse clientele seeking both culinary delights and a tranquil escape.

A Fusion of French Elegance and Tropical Allure

The Pierre Hermé Paris flagship store in Singapore, envisioned by CCD, offers a distinctive retail experience that transcends a simple boutique. It meticulously crafts a dialogue between the renowned refinement of French pastry culture and the specific climatic and cultural context of Singapore. Unlike a direct transplant, the design reimagines the brand's essence through a localized lens, creating an entrance that evokes a Parisian street café while simultaneously incorporating elements of a lush tropical garden. This harmonious blend is further exemplified by the sculptural macaron installations nestled within verdant greenery, seamlessly integrating the brand's iconic products with the surrounding natural environment. This threshold condition serves as a captivating introduction to the store's spatial narrative, where the interplay of natural and constructed elements sets the stage for an extraordinary culinary journey.

Upon entering, visitors are enveloped in an interior organized by a deliberate interplay of contrasting colors, textures, and materials. Smooth surfaces juxtaposed with tactile rougher elements create a rich sensory environment that mirrors the intricate compositional qualities of Pierre Hermé's exquisite products. Curved counters gracefully guide circulation, presenting an array of pastries, cakes, and artisanal bread with meticulous precision and artistic flair. A prominent circular counter acts as the central focal point, dedicated to showcasing signature items such as the brand's celebrated macarons, delectable chocolates, and indulgent cakes. This spatial configuration prioritizes both continuity and adaptability, with the curved forms organizing movement and establishing a layered layout capable of accommodating evolving displays and seasonal variations. The design seamlessly integrates spatial arrangements, graphic elements, and sophisticated lighting into a unified system, perfectly aligning with Pierre Hermé's steadfast emphasis on compositional excellence and intricate detailing, creating a truly immersive and unforgettable atmosphere.

Harmonizing Local Climate with Refined Aesthetics

The material selection and design approach by Hong Kong-based practice CCD for the Pierre Hermé Paris flagship store in Singapore are deeply rooted in responding to the local tropical climate and cultural nuances. Natural wood surfaces, coupled with strategically implemented warm lighting conditions, establish a neutral yet inviting backdrop that allows the visual appeal of the products to truly shine. The subtle contrast between the inherent texture of the wood and the refined presentation of the pastries introduces a compelling depth to the space without disrupting its overarching sense of coherence. Furthermore, the store embraces sustainable practices through the introduction of cloth-based packaging, a thoughtful detail that not only addresses functional considerations but also respectfully references regional material traditions, fostering a broader integration of local and global influences within this distinctive retail environment.

Expanding upon this thoughtful design, the second floor seamlessly extends the store's program by merging both retail and dining functions. Here, a diverse array of savory and sweet offerings are presented within a unified spatial framework, including an innovative ice cream and bubble tea bar that introduces a delightful hybrid format. The dining area itself is conceived as an expansive, light-filled environment, deliberately designed to respond to Singapore's tropical climate. This consideration is further articulated through the judicious selection of furniture and materials. Custom-designed rattan seating provides a lightweight and breathable element, maintaining continuity with the overall material palette. The chosen color scheme, derived from natural wood tones and muted variations associated with the brand's products – including soft pinks, gentle beiges, and sophisticated off-whites – creates a serene and harmonious ambiance. Throughout both levels, the project by CCD operates as a meticulously coordinated system where architectural elements, material choices, and product displays are intrinsically aligned, ensuring a cohesive and immersive experience for every visitor.