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Architects Directory 2009

 

Bruno VanBesien architect

Belgium

BIOGRAPHY AND PRACTICE

Born in Aalst, just outside Brussels, VanBesien (1976) studied architecture at the Sint Lucas Institute in the capital before he started working in the studio of well-known Belgian architect Pascal Francois, finally setting up his own studio in 2005. Influenced by the natural and calm designs of Peter Zumthor, David Chipperfield, Aires Matheus and SANAA, the architect aims to investigate the basic principles of architecture and design for the everyday. "I don't like supermarket-architecture or Las Vegas-architecture", he explains.

THE HOUSE

For his bespoke structure VanBesien designed for this year's Directory, the architect opted for a small ecological house, easy to construct and requiring simple materials to build. Given that the assigned surface was just 100m2, he designed narrow and long stretched rooms, to make the space look bigger, using the rules of perspective. The house was designed as a series of cubic volumes as the name – Tetris House – suggests, some closed to create rooms, and some open as patios, which are flexible and can be opened up completely, thus uniting all the rooms in a single flowing space.

THE FUTURE

For VanBesien, the future lies in craftsmanship, as well as the use of natural materials. His approach is based more on the way materials are used, rather than on special or expensive products. Good work, for the architect, is hidden in the details, the use of natural light and pure, clean spaces. However, he acknowledges the importance of working with the right people in his collaborations, so that all the objects and elements of a project receive the special detailed attention they deserve.

www.brunovanbesien.be