L’Observatoire International is a lighting design firm, founded in 1993 by Hervé Descottes.
As architectural lighting designers, our role is to leverage light as a medium through which architectural intentions can be heightened and spaces transformed. With light as our tool, we reveal the aesthetic qualities of a space and accentuate the experience of an environment, creating a bespoke ambiance. We have a unique knowledge of how to combine light with architecture to create an unparalleled immersive atmosphere.
Emphasizing collaboration, L’Observatoire provides lighting design and art direction to a range of spatial expressions comprising of art and cultural institutions, museums, performing arts centers, educational centers, libraries, large-scale public spaces, parks, outdoor environments, private residencies, luxury commercial properties, mater plans, supertalls, hotels and restaurants.
L’Observatoire has collaborated with architects and designers of world renown including Frank Gehry, Steven Holl, Jean Nouvel, KPF, SHoP Architects, Diller Scofidio + Renfro, James Corner, Bjarke Ingels, Richard Meier, Peter Marino, Shigeru Ban, Agence Dubuisson, Selldorf Architects, Roman and Williams, Agence Jouin Manku, Thomas Heatherwick, Sylvain Dubuisson, PAU, Studio Sofield, James Turrell, among others.
Selected projects include the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial in Washington D.C., the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris, the National Museum of Qatar, the High Line Park in New York, the REACH at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC, Pier 17 in New York, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, Alice Tully Hall and Juilliard School in New York, la Philharmonie de Paris, the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, Kiasma Museum in Helsinki, La Cite du Surf et de l’Ocean in Biarritz, Newtown Creek Waste Water Pollution Treatment Plant in Brooklyn, Columbus Circle in New York, the Mercer Hotel in New York, Theory Headquarters in New York, Jean-Georges in New York, the Grill at the Seagram Building in New York, the Boom Boom Room at the Standard Hotel in New York.
L’Observatoire International’s office is located in downtown Manhattan, New York City.