buro

Belén 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 our material research we deepen into themes that relate to the interconnectedness we have as humanity and our planet. Our collaborations involve crafts(wo)men, creatives, scientists, institutes and industry partners. Together, we 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. Our self-initiated research therefore plays an integral role in our way of working; our continuous search in finding new ways of seeing which in turn need time to mature and find its place within the industry.
The products we develop come alive through the material: the forms are often simple, in which material qualities determine what the product will become. As a buro, we approach interiors as living and breathing environments — treating them as beings. Through our multidisciplinary approach, we adopt a holistic view on space, material and colours. By balancing them and weaving the historical layers, we 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 amongst others.
Brecht and Lenneke currently lecture at Design Academy Eindhoven at the Bachelor Department Well Being, Masters Social Design and GEO design.
Exhibitions
2019 Broken Nature curated by Paola Antonelli, XXII Triennale Milano 2019, IT
2018 Soft Borders curated by Soraya Notoadikusumo and Nadine Snijders, Looiersgracht 60, NL
2018 Alcova 2018 curated by Joseph Grima, Salone del Mobile Milano, IT
2018 Soft Borders curated by Soraya Notoadikusumo and Nadine Snijders, Looiersgracht 60, NL
2018 Alcova 2018 curated by Joseph Grima, Salone del Mobile Milano, IT
Publications
2019 Broken Nature by Paola Antonelli and Ala Tannir
2019 True Colors by Keith Recker
2019 True Colors by Keith Recker
Acquisitions
2019 SUN+ products, MoMa New York, USA
2017 Merging Wallpaper, Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, NL
2016 Another Plaid, Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, NL
2016 Unseen Sunglasses, Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, NL
2017 Merging Wallpaper, Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, NL
2016 Another Plaid, Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, NL
2016 Unseen Sunglasses, Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, NL

photography:
Inga Powilleit