May 07, 2024 07:01
Architect Vincent Van Duysen about life on the edge of his rare ‘De Lanux’ chair: happy people, twenty minutes of meditation and photography as plan B.
Vincent Van Duysen
- Architect and designer.
- Creative director of the Italian Molteni&C.
- New monograph.
What is the chair of your life?
‘This pair of armchairs by Elizabeth Eyre de Lanux (1894-1996), an American artist, writer and designer who moved to Paris in 1919. Although she is best known for her geometric carpets, her progressive furniture was exhibited alongside designs by Jean-Michel Frank and Eileen Gray. I purchased this rare pair of chairs through Sotheby’s. I put them in the sitting area if there is not enough room for my guests. There are much less sophisticated chairs at my dining table: simple farm stools, without backrests. They force people to sit up straight. That is not only good for core stability, but also for interaction at the table.’
Who are you keeping your seat warm for?
‘I have the privilege of working with a fantastic team, together with my partner Kristof Geldmeyer. Thanks to him, succession is assured. When Dries Van Noten recently turned 65ste announced his retirement from fashion, it made me pause for a moment. I am 62 and have been active as an architect for 40 years. I’m at an age where I could take it easy. But we are still expanding the office, and it currently employs forty people. We carry out projects in all corners of the world and these projects are becoming increasingly complex and large-scale. I feel like I’m at the pinnacle of my career. Although I ensure that the projects must always remain about quality, not quantity. I want to work with happy people, both my customers and my employees.’
What recently made you fall off your chair?
‘When a dear friend died far too young. I was with him the day before to say goodbye. The loss hit me hard, especially because my mother also recently died. You can channel stress by exercising or delegating your work better. But you cannot outsource grief. You have to go through it yourself.’
Who deserves a chair?
‘My parents. They raised me in a classic, conservative way, with both feet on the ground. I cherish the values they taught me: respect, gratitude, honesty. But they also introduced me to art and photography from an early age. If I hadn’t become an architect, I would be a photographer now.’
What do you do when something is bothering you?
‘I have a positive attitude. Even in more difficult moments I try to find the positive. ‘Creativity is my longevity’ has become my motto. I enjoy creativity and collaboration with my team. But also to Jonathan, my coach, both physically and mentally.’
Can you sit still?
‘I was a hyperactive child. But because of my busy life and growing older, I am looking for peace more than ever. I find that by introspecting, meditating, and being creative. I commit to doing twenty minutes of transcendental meditation every morning before I start my day. That is why my houses are so important: they are serene places where I can retreat. Domestic tranquility is a counterbalance to the hectic life outside. When I used to have assignments abroad, I would spend my free time visiting galleries or visiting new places. Now I prefer to retreat to my hotel room. I don’t want to go into the red anymore.’
