At 93 years old, legendary French architect and designer Marc Held continues to embody the innovative spirit that made him one of the most influential creators of the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. From his sun-drenched terrace on the Greek island of Skopelos, where azure skies meet the tranquil Aegean Sea, Held reflects on a remarkable career that spans from creating iconic yet affordable furniture for the French retail chain Prisunic to his later work with multinational giant IBM, and his recent vernacular projects in Greece and Senegal.
Skopelos, a small Greek island in the Sporades archipelago made famous as a filming location for the movie "Mamma Mia," has been Held's home for the past 36 years. This green, mountainous setting, which he describes as a miniature Corsica populated by farmers and fishermen, represents a dramatic departure from his once-glamorous Parisian lifestyle. The island serves as the perfect backdrop for an architect who was among the first creators to place ecology at the center of his work, utilizing functional forms and materials while staying far removed from the consumerist preoccupations of his era.
Held's journey to design prominence began with his creation of everyday objects that would eventually achieve cult status. His most celebrated pieces include the Culbuto armchair and the Prisunic bed, furniture that democratized good design by making it accessible to ordinary consumers. These creations reflected his utopian vision and avant-garde approach, establishing him as an indispensable figure who regularly mingled with the powerful and influential figures of his time.
The designer's philosophy, as captured in his memorable quote comparing design to judo, emphasizes harmony over conflict. "In design like in judo, we don't confront, we compose," he explains, revealing an approach that seeks balance and functionality rather than aggressive innovation for its own sake. This philosophy has guided his work throughout his career, from his early furniture designs to his architectural projects spanning multiple continents.
Held's most recent achievement, a kindergarten school in Senegal that was inaugurated in 2024, exemplifies his lifelong quest to find meaning behind objects and buildings. The project reflects his deep commitment to socially conscious design, as he spends five months of each year in the West African country. This latest work demonstrates how his design philosophy has evolved to address real-world needs while maintaining his commitment to ecological and functional principles.
Dressed in white pants and an elegant beige shirt during a July interview on his Greek terrace, the prolific Held willingly discusses his extraordinary life story. His personal history is as compelling as his professional achievements – he was one of France's youngest resistance fighters during World War II, experiencing the conflict firsthand as a Jewish youth. This early confrontation with adversity undoubtedly shaped his humanistic approach to design and his commitment to creating objects and spaces that serve humanity rather than mere aesthetic trends.
The architect's career trajectory illustrates the evolution of design thinking over several decades. His early work with Prisunic demonstrated his belief that good design should be democratic and accessible, not reserved for the wealthy elite. Later, his years working with IBM, which he now characterizes as a "wrong turn," provided valuable lessons about the intersection of design and corporate culture, ultimately reinforcing his commitment to more personally meaningful and socially conscious projects.
Today, Held's legacy extends far beyond his individual creations. His integration of ecological concerns into design practice predated the current environmental movement by decades, making him a prescient voice in sustainable design. His work in developing countries, particularly in Senegal, demonstrates how design can address fundamental human needs while respecting local cultures and environmental constraints. As he approaches his 94th birthday, Marc Held continues to embody the principle that true design success comes not from confrontation or dominance, but from thoughtful composition and harmonious integration of form, function, and social responsibility.
