Maarten Van Severen

Born in Antwerp, Maarten van Severen (1956–2005) studied architecture at Sint-Lucas Art Academy in Ghent. He designed his first furniture in 1986 and established an independent workshop the following year, focusing on limited semi-industrial production. His work centered on fundamental furniture types –chairs, tables, chaise longues, shelving, and cabinets – exploring form, material, and construction. Beginning in 1990, he collaborated with Rem Koolhaas and took on interior design projects while also teaching at various institutions, including University College West Flanders and Delft University of Technology. His partnership with Vitra, which began in 1996, marked a significant phase in his career, allowing him to experiment with new materials and gain wider recognition.