It’s his end-of-studies file: “Siciel”, the life-size dream that he hopes one day to see become a reality. Pavel Lomakin imagined the rehabilitation of the Cape Sicié semaphore into a place of history, culture and exchanges. The model of his project will be exhibited in the entrance hall of the Camondo school during the establishment’s open days, on January 24 and 25, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
He had already worked on the development of the ferry terminal in Toulon. “20th century architecture interests me a lot, it’s very enriching,” explains the artist who embraces the precepts of the Camondo school: “The projects developed there are examples of deep integration and commitment to the life of the city and the region.”
An observatory reminiscent of a rocket
Siciel is a perfect illustration of this. To immerse yourself in the project, “we went on hikes several times with the school to get a sense of the project”underlines Pavel Lomakin. In his hands, the ruins of the semaphore become an observatory “reminiscent of a rocket ready to take off”. Some will see it as a reference to the Orthodox cathedral designed by the architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte in Paris, because of the golden dome, he sees the sun hitting the buildings.
The lower building is transformed into a boat deck, for strolling, eating, and above all measuring the extent of the sky and the sea with a panoramic view. An outdoor cinema screen reminiscent of the sails of a boat. We will look at the night sky thanks to the projection of images from a digital telescope… Or a film, why not. The field of possibilities is vast. In the decor, wind turbine walls – an idea from designer Joe Doucet – Orange boat hulls, a kitchen made from recycled materials, also orange.
Orange, the color of space suits as well as rescue boats… Quite a symbol.
The interior architect and designer is in fact originally from Moscow, where he was born in 1990. A city that he chose to leave when the doors of the 4th year of the Camondo school opened to him in 2022. He attended normal school and at the same time, the School of Fine Arts, “I never really wanted to be an artist, but I wanted to create and design objects and spaces.”
-It is also accomplished in marketing studies, “branding (working on the design of a brand image, Editor’s note), was something I loved doing…”, he adds. During his higher studies, he began to collaborate with fashion and lifestyle magazines. Forbes, GQ and many others… At the same time, he designs photo shoots. “I met a lot of people, worked for a lot of brands” which opened up the field of possibilities for him abroad, where he increased his travels. This is also how he discovered the region, and Hyères in particular.
“Living spaces like construction games”
“That’s also when I started getting interested in interior design.” Two projects – an apartment in Paris, the other in Moscow – convinced him to apply for a master’s degree at the Camondo Toulon school. He knows the region, has connections there. He is therefore entering the 4th year, has just finished the 5th year and will receive his diploma on February 4 at the Museum of Decorative Arts in Paris.
He, who is greatly inspired by the ideas of constructivism, sees “living spaces as construction games” while respecting the environment, like his “Eco_temporain” project, a modular, eco-sustainable and responsible structure. .
His vision, moreover, is modeled on the idea of reusing any support, structure, of working with recycled materials. “Siciel” like “Eco _Temporain”, will be discovered in the entrance hall of the Camondo school.
A little history…
It was in the 19th century that a semaphore was established overlooking Cape Sicié, at an altitude of 330 meters. To equip it: a powerful telescope responsible for signaling all passage of ships, navigation accidents or the approach of enemy boats in the event of war. This lookout post was finally destroyed by bombing in 1944. Today, all that remains are ruins that are easily accessible to walkers, who can still enjoy an incredible 360° panorama.
