Every year, the Biennale Interieur selects a Belgian ‘designer of the year’. This year, the accolade goes to 32-year old designer Linde Freya Tangelder. She works under the name destroyers / builders, and focuses on interior design and products available in limited editions. In every case, she looks for a balance between contemporary design and traditional techniques.

Originally a Dutch national, Tangelder graduated five years ago from Design Academy Eindhoven. Having already moved to Belgium during her finals, at first she completed an internship at Unfold before starting her own design studio destroyers / builders. At the same time, she started work at the Maniera gallery, which confirmed her conviction there exists a common ground between design and art, and that there can be a fascinating exchange between both worlds.

Her work is distinguished by specific use of materials and diverse textures. Raw, natural materials such as stone, metal and wood show an individual character which Tangelder emphasises with the processing methods she uses. Tangelder’s designs display an architectural, almost sculptural character. Robust materials and a striking use of form are combined with traditional production methods, resulting in a striking oeuvre.

2019 has been a top year for the young designer, her work was selected for FAR, the first exhibition of the new, contemporary arm of the reputed Milanese Nilafur Gallery. Her work also features a.o at Orlando Brussels, Graanmarkt 13, and Aybar Gallery in Miami. She also collaborates with the Brut designer collective, where she organises themed collections and exhibitions together with other Belgian design talent. The ongoing collaboration with Valerie Objects, and the opportunity to translate her rather experimental approach into an industrial product, rewards the commitment and unconventional path of this young designer.

About Biennale Interieur
The Biennale Interieur npo is a non-profit organisation acting in the field of design, product development and innovation. In 1967, the founder members of the Biennale Interieur npo in Kortrijk (Belgium) were excited by the impossible. One of their aims was to put contemporary design for the home and interior innovations on display for a broad general public and not only for professionals, as was the case with most other fairs. They dreamed of creating a space and an atmosphere that did not obey the laws of traditional lay-out and stage design. The uniqueness of the concept and the increase in international outreach, turnover, number of visitors, number of exhibitors and world-renowned design brands, press articles etc., show that there was a true need for an innovative model for design as a cultural as well as a commercial entity. The first fair took place exactly 50 years ago in 1968.

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