Brecht Duijf and Lenneke Langenhuijsen-THE NETHERLANDS

BuroBelén is a design studio based in Amsterdam — founded by Brecht Duijf and Lenneke Langenhuijsen — centred on material research, material application and creative direction. Where Brecht brings a cloud of ideas, Lenneke gives them roots to grow.

In their material research they deepen into themes that relate to the interconnectedness we have as humanity and our planet. Their collaborations involve crafts(wo)men, creatives, scientists, institutes and industry partners. They work towards results that form the beginning of various manifestations such as wearables, products, textiles and other materialisations. This is done by developing yarns, weavings, textures and surfaces that support, shelter or entice our sense of place. All encompass a profound longing for more sustainable and enchanting living environments. Their self-initiated research therefore plays an integral role in their way of working; their continuous search in finding new ways of seeing which in turn need time to mature and find its place within the industry.

The products they develop come alive through the material: the forms are often simple, in which material qualities determine what the product will become. As a buro, they approach interiors as living and breathing environments — treating them as beings. Through their multidisciplinary approach, they adopt a holistic view on space, material and colours. By balancing them and weaving the historical layers, they envision interiors into future intentions and scenarios.

Belén’s work has been acquired by MoMa New York, Boijmans van Beuningen Rotterdam, Vitra Design Museum. Belén's projects have been part of exhibitions curated by Paola Antonelli, Jan Boelen, Ilse Crawford, Joseph Grima, Alice Stori Liechtenstein and Lideweij Edelkoort. They have been commissioned by Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, Atelier Luma Arles, Schloss Hollenegg for Design and Textiellab Tilburg among others.

@burobelen