Design Inspired by Nature: A Conversation with Hervé Descottes on the Catirpel Luminaire
In the heart of one of the world’s most design-forward cities, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Hervé Descottes of L’Observatoire International to discuss his latest lighting creation, the Catirpel, designed in collaboration with Targetti. The setting for our conversation was fitting: the Musée de Montmartre where innovation, heritage, and artistic ingenuity collide.
Lighting with Purpose
The Catirpel is not just another fixture—it’s a thoughtful response to the challenges of modern lighting design, especially light pollution and the need for dark sky compliance. As Hervé explained, “The world of lighting is evolving constantly… We’re extremely concerned about light pollution. But dark sky doesn’t mean we shouldn’t highlight beautiful species or landscapes—it means we need to rethink how we do it.”
This rethink led Hervé and his team to a surprising source of inspiration: the caterpillar. Its organic ability to blend with its environment, adapt to various positions, and remain virtually unseen during the day served as the perfect metaphor for a fixture that needed to disappear into its surroundings, only to illuminate discreetly and precisely when called upon.
A Natural Collaboration
While nature planted the initial idea, the partnership with Targetti brought it to life. Hervé recalled that Targetti first reached out for feedback on their existing product line. “They asked us how their products could be improved,” he shared. “After a year of refining their existing collection, the conversation evolved—they asked if we wanted to design something entirely new together.”
That spark led to the creation of three design concepts, from which the Catirpel stood out as the most innovative. “We wanted to create a product that didn’t yet exist on the market,” said Hervé.
Precision by Design
True to its name, the Catirpel is modular and versatile—capable of being adapted both in the design phase and in the field. “You can adjust the modules, change beam angles, choose color temperatures, and install different accessories,” Hervé said. “Precision matters. Sometimes a two-degree shift in light makes all the difference between illuminating your subject or missing the mark.”
Even in the unpredictable Parisian weather, the product stands up to the elements. “It’s IP66-rated,” Hervé noted proudly. “A little rain is no problem. In fact, it helps show how resilient the fixture really is.”
A Process That Takes Time
While the design itself is forward-thinking, the development process wasn’t rushed. From concept to market, the Catirpel took about two years to bring to life, including delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “To do a good product takes time,” Hervé emphasized. “Even designing a chair can take years.”
When asked about the business side of such a collaboration, Hervé gently sidestepped specifics, instead highlighting the creative spirit at the core of the partnership. “It works with creativity,” he said simply. “My purpose is to create something that doesn’t exist.”
A Strong Team and Shared Vision
The collaboration extended beyond Targetti’s product line and into a shared ethos of design excellence. “I respect their engineering, their cast aluminum, their materiality,” Hervé said. “And they’re very nice people—it makes a difference.”
Looking Ahead
As we wrapped up our interview, anticipation was building for the evening’s live demonstration of the Catirpel. The weather held, and the buzz among the gathered lighting designers was palpable.
The Catirpel is a testament to what happens when natural inspiration, thoughtful design, and technical precision come together. It doesn’t just light spaces—it respects them.