‘Interior sculptor’ Christophe Gevers’ oeuvre is celebrated in new book
‘Christophe Gevers’ is a sleek monograph dedicated to the Belgian's life work as an interior architect, designer, sculptor and inventor, with unseen photography by Jean-Pierre Gabriel
Belgian designer Christophe Gevers (1928-2007) has been celebrated among his peers for his intricate craftsmanship, architecture and interiors. Known for his tri-colour palette of primary hues, often unexpectedly injected into products and space, Gevers may feel less familiar to wider audiences than other figures in 20th-century and modernist architecture; but now, a new book dedicated to his portfolio, carefully selected and photographed by Jean-Pierre Gabriel, puts a spotlight to his oeuvre.
The meaty tome, spanning over 400 pages and 500 photographs, presents the designer's life’s work, some examples of which have been kept private until now.
‘Christophe Gevers’ by Jean-Pierre Gabriel
Gevers was known as ‘The Maker’ in his local, 20th-century architecture and design scene. Yet, Gabriel feels the term ‘Fabricator’ is a more apt description for the designer, whose love of craft combines an artistic approach, technical skill, and attention to detail. His work stands out for his knack for merging the large and the small, space and products, developing projects from the inside out in his trademark practice of 'interior architecture'.
An unlikely midcentury precursor of today's 'unexpected red theory' (an interior design approach that uses a splash of red to elevate a space, especially in areas where it doesn't 'make sense'), Gevers thrived in harnessing the power of primary colours. His pops of rich navy and golden yellow add a modernist feel to his interiors, which often contrast against historic buildings and more textured materials such as stone walls.
His spaces stand out for their livability and sense of comfort – yet at the same time, functionality was at the heart of Gevers' design process, whether that be in lighting, furniture, or residential interiors. Inviting the natural world to interact with his process, Gevers honed a style that is rich in organic materials, making compositions not only tactile and layered but also designed to last the test of time.
The monograph is arranged around five thematic sections. The reader first journeys through Gevers' architectural output, such as his residential projects at Ohain and La Garde-Freinet.
The book then delves into the designer's mentorship relationships, followed by his interior work through case studies including Une Maison dans les Bois, La Maison Double, and En dessous des toits.
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Restaurants, such as Au Vieux Saint Martin, are also included in this section – as is Gevers' iconic 1959 ‘TBA’ chair, which was exclusively reproduced for the restaurant LESS by Hertog Jan. The final chapter looks into Gevers’ portfolio in furniture, lighting and objects.
Architect Glenn Sestig penned a poetic foreword for the book, describing Gevers not just as a designer, but also as an 'interior sculptor'. He writes: ‘He sculpts shapes, volumes and materials and assembles them until they become furniture… Depending on the fittings and furniture, he can be placed in the tradition of Charlotte Perriand, Carlo Scarpa, Luis Barragán, Josef Hoffmann or Dom Hans Van der Laan.’
For where to buy the book, see jeanpierregabriel.eu
Tianna Williams is the Editorial Executive at Wallpaper*. Before joining the team in 2023, she has contributed to BBC Wales, SurfGirl Magazine, and Parisian Vibe, with work spanning from social media content creation to editorial. Now, her role covers writing across varying content pillars for Wallpaper*.
-
Playful new furniture from Aspesi and Vetsak is dressed to impress
The ‘Transformation’ collection includes a chunky, modular Vetsak sofa, pillows and blankets clad in Aspesi outerwear fabrics
By Simon Mills Published
-
The new Beetle? PIX Moving’s Robo-EV is an insectoid concept car for urban travel
Melding generative design, 3D printing and an onboard AI, the Robo-EV crams as much future tech as possible into a tiny four-wheeled footprint
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
We walk through Luther George Park and its new undulating pavilion
Luther George Park by Trahan Architects and landscape firm SMM Architects opens to the public, showcasing a striking new pavilion installation – take a first look
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Hong Kong brutalism explored: tour the island with this new architectural map
Hong Kong brutalism is brought into sharp focus through the launch of Brutalist Hong Kong Map, the latest of its kind in publisher Blue Crow Media’s 20th-century architecture series
By Yoko Choy Published
-
'Mid-Century Modern Masterpieces' captured in new monograph like no book before
'The Atlas of Mid-Century Modern Masterpieces' chronicles hundreds of iconic structures from this golden age of architectural expression
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
'Tropicality' explored in Indonesian architect Andra Matin’s first monograph
'Tropicality' is a key theme in a new book on Indonesian architect Andra Matin, whose work blends landscape, architecture and living
By Harriet Thorpe Published
-
Dive into these new architecture books: Autumn 2024's reading
The Wallpaper* guide to the new architecture books for Autumn 2024 - from meaty monographs to themed explorations and lots of immersive visuals
By Ellie Stathaki Last updated
-
‘A Time ⋅ A Place’ is a lovingly compiled photographic portrait of cars and architecture
‘A Time ⋅ A Place’ is a celebration of the European Car of the Year and changing perceptions of modern design, pairing the best buildings of the age with their automotive contemporaries
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Álvaro Siza’s new monograph through the lens of Duccio Malagamba is impactful and immersive
Álvaro Siza and photographer Duccio Malagamba collaborate on a new monograph by Phaidon; ‘Before / After: Álvaro Siza Duccio Malagamba’ celebrates the Portuguese architect's work
By Michael Webb Published
-
Green Ark, a new garden pavilion from modified softwood, is conceived for plant conservation
The Green Ark, set in the heart of Belgium's Meise Botanic Garden, is an ultra-sustainable visitor pavilion by NU Architectuur Atelier
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Residence Norah is a modernist Belgian villa transformed to its owner’s needs
Residence Norah by Glenn Sestig in Belgium’s Deurle transforms an existing gallery space into a flexible private meeting area that perfectly responds to its owner’s requirements
By Ellie Stathaki Published