intro
“We believe that everything is interconnected. We wish to offer openness, and study how the transient nature of this interconnectedness brings new insights and aesthetic materialisations that are accessible to everyone.” — Belén
BuroBelén is a design studio based in Amsterdam centered around material research, indoor alterations of monuments, hospitality industry interiors and creative direction. The Buro aims to realize permanent and longer-term projects that bridge the realms of textile production, design, crafts and architecture in Europe and beyond. The team keeps an eye out for societal global tendencies and developments within material- and immaterial culture, while still being able to bring together production teams, distributors, clients and experts around sustainable, sensual and often spiritual spaces.
A profound longing for durable and seductive living environments is the starting point of projects for Belén. In their material research they deepen themes that relate to the interconnectedness we have as humanity with our planet and its built environment. Belén collaborations involve architects, craftspeople, creatives, scientists, institutes and industry partners. Together, the buro works towards results such as interiors, hotels, sacred architecture, monument alterations, products and textiles.
New designs can instigate or stimulate alternative behavioural-codes, transversing cultural practices, allowing for an intercultural, integrative outcome. The pair takes agency in mastering the space to raise awareness, boost resilience and reduce environmental footprint, often all at the same time. New embodiments can instigate or stimulate alternative behavioural-codes, transversing cultural practices.
“We are in it to share the beauty and we seek to amuse, enchanting through aesthetics whilst advocating ethics” – Belén
"Shaping spaces that are as spiritually resonant as they are functionally engaging. Where historical context merges seamlessly with material innovations, acoustic comfort, and a deep sense of place.” – Belén
Belén always starts in collaboration with material. Their three dimensional view on materiality sharpens context and new outcomes. In-depth research, striking ideas and daring experiments bring forth Belén’s own physical language. Matter; the origin, the process, colour, texture and substance are all tools to work with. The design duo wishes to deepen and soften the relationship between people and the environment by staying in close proximity to the origin, and by extracting enticing expressions from known as well as new materials. Materiality in this sense has the ability to adhere to larger topics. This brings the most impact because of their sensitivity to the sensorial experiences the environment can offer. It must be felt, absorbed, spoken to and experienced. When consciously intervening with the soul of a space, it enriches the environment.
The design studio speaks in a visual abstract story, offering new insights and giving room to absorb, to feel and to reflect. Aesthetics becomes the common language. By working with sustainable materials and colours, Belén entices people to make ethical choices whilst embracing healthier and holistic scenarios. The research-driven studio believes in interiors that live with people. Belén’s vision relates to deeper narratives connected to artisanal traditions and to the notion that everything is interconnected with nature. They push the boundaries of the insights and aesthetic materialisations that are born out of this.