This summer, 3D artist Clément Morin brings his poetic, dreamlike world to life in a piece designed especially for Samaritaine and Magic City. He combines inspiration, technique and childhood nostalgia to immerse visitors in a magical, digital universe. 
 
How did 3D and motion design become part of your life? 
 
I grew up in the 90s, when 3D was beginning to make its way into mainstream television, movies and video games… it molded my preferences and my culture. I studied at Gobelins school of visual communication and arts in their photography department, and after two years of image editing, my creative side wasn't satisfied. 3D animation allowed me to take it a step further. I started working self-taught on short films, I needed to tell my stories.

 
Your works often evoke a real childhood spirit. What movies, books or artists influenced you when you were a kid? 
 
At 14, I saw the trailer of Spirited Away and everything just clicked. The images mixed traditional animation with very modern 3D. I was also passionate about comics and the advanced, epic cinematic scenes in video games like Final Fantasy. 
 
For Samaritaine, you have created a motion design piece inspired by Magic City. Have you had a look through the archives from the real Magic City? 
 
I had access to photos and some files from the time. I wanted to retain the atmosphere of the original Magic City, but it was time to give it a modern and digital edge. It's like a childhood dream come true, making your own amusement park — inspiration comes to me in shapes and colors. It feels like a place for imagination and freedom. 
 
What were the different stages of your creative process? 
 
I started with a mood board by bringing together a range of graphic elements, integrating the amusement park into a universe of blue sky and clouds. I first made a rough 3D version on a computer by adding lighting to see if it would work. Then I added water effects, a slide, a big wheel… the whole thing needed to be readable quite quickly.  
 
Have Samaritaine's facades influenced your work? 
 
Yes a lot, especially the Art Deco and Art Nouveau elements. It was a challenge because Art Deco is characterized by lots of straight lines, whereas Art Nouveau is made up of more floral patterns. A balance was needed to accurately reflect the look and feel of Samaritaine without distorting it. I managed to do this by utilizing the curves of the roller coaster and the slide on one side, while bringing back more geometric elements on the other.  
 
You collaborated with Snapchat to create an augmented reality animation of your work. What experience will this offer to visitors? 
 
When the users stand in front of the facade, it will come to life just like in my 3D piece: The cars will start moving, the slide will fill with water... It is always exciting to push the visual and artistic experience one step further. I haven't mastered this augmented reality aspect, so I enjoy seeing what it can do. 
 
What reawakens your inner child? 
 
I have an 11-year-old daughter, and when I show her movies from my childhood, my own feelings come flooding back: The Nightmare Before Christmas, Jurassic Park, Back to the Future… I see them through her eyes.  

Samaritaine Through the Lens of Clément Morin  

What does Samaritaine mean to you?  
 
I discovered Samaritaine this year thanks to my collaboration with the department store. I was struck by just how much there is to see. You can rediscover an entire era through the Art Nouveau and Art Deco architecture, but also an esthetic, a culture.  
 
What is your favorite space inside the store?
 
Without a doubt the top floor and its glass roof! The space is flooded with natural light. The renovation work, especially on the Eiffel structure, is incredible. 
 
Which element appeals to you the most from a visual point of view? 
 
The peacock fresco. Its restoration is so impressive, as are its colors. I am captivated by the artistic and historical aspects of the fresco, it has its own personality.  
 
On your next visit, which floor will you go to? 
 
I didn't get the chance to visit the most recent part designed by SANAA. I would like to see what was done on the inside with the creation of skylights. The facade is superb, but it is this work on the lighting that really fascinates me.