From the Building Trades to Art: Just One Step!

09.12.2024

From civil engineering to high-level art, there is just one step—and a Walloon who has taken it. A charismatic man and a poet, a man with his feet on the ground and his head among the stars, tough in business yet a wellspring of tenderness towards those he holds dear. A man who refused to be like everyone else because he is not like everyone else. And how right this Walloon is!

Even when he was very young, his teachers and parents noticed that he was different. A “DYS” child, as they say. He was told he was unlikely to have a very successful future. How wrong they were!

An extraordinary Walloon, truly out of the ordinary: Didier Jaminon.

Here is an extract from an article published on the ORA website:

“Faced with a system that is ill-suited to them, individuals develop the ability never to become discouraged: perseverance, the systematic search for solutions, logical thinking and the ability to solve problems.”

Contrary to a misconception that is still far too widespread, a child with a DYS condition does not have an intellectual disability. Research shows that people with dyslexia have strong problem-solving abilities. This logical thinking is clearly valued, as a British study has shown that the proportion of people with dyslexia holding senior management positions is higher than in the general population.

With greater understanding and inclusion, children with DYS conditions could help create a more diverse and understanding society. This ability to create their own world helps develop their artistic sensibility.

A study by the University of California has shown that a person with dyslexia may have High Emotional Potential (HPE), which can be an undeniable asset in human relationships.

https://www.ora-visio.fr/les-4-grandes-forces-et-qualites-enfants-dys/

Here are a few famous people with dyslexia:

Pablo Picasso, Mika, Harrison Ford, Steven Spielberg, Agatha Christie, Albert Einstein, Ernest Hemingway and Tom Cruise.

I would wager that this businessman, who is also an artist, will not remain unknown for long.

His remarkable intelligence has made him an expert sought after by companies outside Belgium. He is called upon to test products and offer advice on how to improve them. He develops solutions and creates products.

Didier began his professional career at a very young age, after successfully completing a qualification in construction at École Saint-Laurent in Liège. He followed in his father’s footsteps, embracing a trade his father was passionate about: tiling, stonework and building renovation. Didier introduced new methods and more efficient techniques for laying tiles, for example. In fact, he excels in physics and analysis. He observes how air and adhesives behave, for instance, and changes the way products are used to make tile installation and the use of different types of tiles significantly more effective and durable, lasting far longer than was previously possible. He innovates. Innovators and inventors are creators. Creators are artists, whatever field they work in.

Then Covid arrived… Didier went into lockdown, like everyone else. He could no longer visit his clients.

He had time on his hands. His wonderful four-legged companion, Baia, inspired him. He created BAIA DESIGN and the BAIA range. He spread his wings as a businessman. He decided to use BAIA PANEL sheets, previously used to manufacture reusable formwork for tunnel ceilings and insulating walls, to create a range of decidedly modern bathroom wall designs, furniture and sanitary accessories.

Using the offcuts from these panels, he ventured into the world of art. Gradually, he began using panels of different thicknesses to create everyday objects. He also created works of art, each accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. The advantages of BAIA PANEL are considerable, both for domestic use and in hospital settings!

BAIA PANEL sheets are made from an environmentally responsible composite material. They are unique, and the list of their qualities is long. I have selected just a few:

A mineral composite unique in Europe, made up of 50% resin and 50% stone powder
100% recyclable
Antibacterial
Antifungal
UV-resistant
Resistant to humidity, fresh water and… salt water
Impact-resistant
Flexible
Thermoformable
Available with a polished or raw stone finish
Unaffected by light
Easy to maintain
And much more

Several colours are available. Didier creates bespoke pieces so that each object and its intended use perfectly meet your requirements.

Didier creates wooden prototypes for production runs and calculates the balance of certain objects to ensure that they remain upright without falling over. As for his works of art, he creates them according to his mood and inspiration, without using a template. This makes each piece unique. I was particularly struck by his designer lamps.

Not only are they beautiful, but they also cast light patterns on the walls and ceiling. The effect is beautiful, warm and relaxing. These lamps would fit perfectly into luxury hotels and palaces, as well as the homes of people with refined taste and a love of beauty.

BAIA DESIGN comprises BAIA PANEL, BAIA LIGHTING, BAIA BATHROOM, BAIA CREATION, BAIA SCRAP and BAIA SEA.

BAIA SEA? I was curious. BAIA SEA is aimed particularly at luxury sailing boats, yachts and superyachts.

Didier Jaminon completely refurbishes the interiors of boats. The furniture is lightweight and durable, protects its contents during storms, and is both chic and luxurious. For example, Didier has designed a glass holder that keeps suspended glasses securely in place, even when it is positioned vertically. The glasses can be removed and replaced with astonishing ease. The holder can be shaken in every direction, yet the glasses do not move a millimetre. Everything is designed to the same exceptional standard: a true marvel of adaptation to the nautical environment. A BAIA innovation.

I will not reveal the name of the skipper or the boat, but you should know that Wallonia is proud that this Walloon designer attracted attention and, at the owner's request, created the complete interior furnishings of a sailing yacht that recently took part in the Route du Rhum.

When will we see BAIA AIR? Why not?

The requirements of a competitive sailing yacht, where lightness and strength are essential, are comparable to those of the aeronautical industry. This could make it possible to build lighter aircraft, insulate interior walls—which often leave passengers seated by the window feeling cold—personalise the interiors, make them easier to maintain, and much more. Aircraft manufacturers will quickly understand the advantages of contacting Didier Jaminon.

And what about hospitals? BAIA HEALTH?

Since BAIA PANEL sheets meet the hygiene requirements of medical settings, hospitals will readily see the benefits of contacting Didier Jaminon.

And the price? It is not prohibitive!

In his private life, Didier enjoys a happy family life. He was runner-up in the Belgian mountain bike trials championship and takes part in cycling projects at a school for students. The apple does not fall far from the tree!

Didier and his son David work together every day to develop BAIA and share a passion for endurance motor racing. They collect model cars, attend selected races and meet the drivers. They are true motor racing enthusiasts!

David speaks French and English fluently and is pursuing higher education through evening classes. Without a doubt, he is a promising young Walloon talent and a future Walloon manager brimming with potential.

Didier shared a quotation with me that sums him up perfectly. I would like to pass it on to you because I believe it rings true for everyone:

“Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whilst imagination embraces the entire universe.” — Albert Einstein

Would you like to discover a new concept? Would you like to discover beautiful objects? Or are you simply looking for a chic, unique and affordable gift for the festive season?

Visit BAIA DESIGN during its open days: