Dezeen Magazine

Seven projects worth knowing by Vincent Van Duysen

To celebrate Vincent Van Duysen being named Designer of the Year at Biennale Interieur 2016, we've rounded up seven standout projects from the architect and designer admired for his minimalist style.

The award comes after a busy year for the Belgian, who was appointed to the role of creative director at furniture brand Molteni&C in April – making him the company's first creative director since the 1990s.

Following his appointment, Van Duysen has been focusing on refreshing the brand's image as well as working on its exhibition stands and retail stores.

Although best known as an architect, he has gained a reputation for his minimalist aesthetic across a number of disciplines, including interior design, furniture and lighting design.

Here's a selection of projects worth knowing by Van Duysen:


Key projects by Vincent Van Duysen

Casting Concrete lamps for Flos

For this year's Milan design week, Van Duysen created a cast-concrete lamp as part of a range of designs for Italian brand Flos.

The collection features tall and short versions of I-shaped and C-shaped pieces, each available in a range of materials, including oxidised bronze, concrete, cast iron and coated aluminium.


Key projects by Vincent Van Duysen

Aesop Hamburg store

Van Duysen's interior design for skincare brand Aesop's Hamburg store features a large stone sink and ladder-like shelving made from oak and blackened steel.

A pared-back theme and natural materials were chosen to match the building's location in a listed and protected building on one of the city's most vibrant streets.


Key projects by Vincent Van Duysen

Alexander Wang London flagship

Van Duysen created a greyscale interior for American fashion design Alexander Wang's store inside a former post office in London's Mayfair.

Located on Albemarle Street, just down the road from Paul Smith's cast-iron-fronted store, the flagship was designed by Wang and Van Duysen to echo the designer's dark, minimal aesthetic.


Key projects by Vincent Van Duysen

Graanmarkt 13

Van Duysen designed the interiors for the Graanmarkt 13 concept store in Antwerp, which features private accommodation across the top two floors and a restaurant on the ground level.

Recently, the space opened its doors to the public for the first time to showcase Muller van Severen's pieces for Belgian brand Valerie Objects.


Key projects by Vincent Van Duysen

TR Residence

For this farm in Belgian town of Knokke, Van Duysen created a residence, stables and surrounding orchard. His three elongated, black-slatted wooden volumes are based on old barns.

The structures are designed to look utilitarian, and openings are limited to huge sliding gates.


Key projects by Vincent Van Duysen

BS Residence

Van Duysen converted a farm in the Belgium town of Zwevegem into a house for a family with two children.

The result was a building with an overhanging gable roof, classic roof tiles and facades made from kalei brick – brick plastered with a thick clay finish.


Key projects by Vincent Van Duysen

Pottery for When Objects Work

Van Duysen's collection of brown, blue and grey pots for Belgium brand When Objects Work is based on the colour palette of a northern European sky.

Each piece is composed of two elements: an earthenware container and a wooden plate, which can serve as both a lid and a plinth.